July 16 – A Conmebol vice-president and leading FIFA official was among 27 people arrested during the crowd control debacle that marred the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia in Miami.
Police have confirmed that Ramón Jesurún, head of the Colombian Football Federation and a member of the FIFA Council, was detained after allegedly fighting with security guards, along with his son.
According to an arrest report by Miami-Dade Police Department, the Jesurúns were involved in an altercations with security staff just after the end of the game.
The Jesurúns had reportedly been attempting to enter the Colombian team changing rooms but did not have the accreditation required for access. A security guard prevented them from entering and an argument ensued.
Passing police officers intervened and the Jesurúns reportedly became physical with them and were subsequently arrested.
It was ignominious ending to a final that was played amid chaotic scenes at the start and angry scenes at the finish, all of which was beamed around the world. Fans climbed over gates and barriers to enter the stadium, causing a long delay to kick-off as officials struggled to control entry. At the end of the match players of both sides clashed on the pitch.
Ramon Jesurun has since been released on bail after being arrested on charges of “assault on officer/employee”
Reports differ as to why he was arrested. According to Colombian newspaper El Tiempo security guards refused him access to the awards ceremony.
“This badge says ‘full access’ and a security guard … disregarded it,” Jesurun argued, pointing to his official accreditation after he was released having reportedly posted $2,000 bail.
“I insisted (to the security guard) that I should enter and he pushed me and a ridiculous, unnecessary melee broke out,” he added.
The game was delayed by 82 minutes as spectators stormed the gates at the home of the NFL Miami Dolphins, with fans pushed to the ground and others even trying to sneak into the stadium through air-conditioning ducts. Argentina won the match with a goal in extra time by Lautaro Martinez.
Conmebol suggested security procedures, such as setting up an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans, had not been followed by organisers.
“Fans without tickets went to the vicinity of the stadium, which delayed the normal access of the people who did have them, which slowed down the entry and determined the closing of doors,” Conmebol said in a statement.
“We regret that the acts of violence produced by malicious people have tarnished a final that was ready to be a great celebration of sport.”
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