Luis Suarez sparked widespread condemnation on social media after the Copa America semi-final match between Uruguay and Colombia, which took place at dawn on Thursday. The match ended with a single goal scored by Jefferson Lerma, securing Colombia's place in the Copa America final against Argentina. However, the post-match events overshadowed the game, as Suarez entered into a physical altercation with Colombia's Miguel Borja.
A video clip showed the Uruguayan striker poking his head into Borja's shoulder, in what appeared to be an attempt to bite him. This incident is reminiscent of Suarez's dark history of biting opponents, having previously bitten three different players during his career, leading to lengthy suspensions each time. The most famous of these incidents occurred during the 2014 World Cup when Suarez bit Italian player Giorgio Chiellini.
The match also witnessed clashes between the players and technical staff of both teams. Suarez was seen throwing a punch at a member of the Colombian national team's technical staff. Additionally, the Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez was involved in a violent altercation in the stands after the match. Concerned for the safety of his family, Nunez rushed into the crowd to protect them from Colombian supporters. The fight took place in the area of the stadium where the families of the Uruguayan players were located.
Nunez, visibly distressed, was consoled by his club teammate Luis Diaz, who was an opponent that evening. The situation escalated when Colombian supporters approached the family area, prompting Uruguayan players to intervene. Defender José Maria Gimenez described the scene as chaotic, with families and babies in danger. The police eventually intervened, and around a hundred Uruguayan spectators, along with the players, remained in the stadium for a considerable time after the fight.
- Suarez's history of biting incidents has marred his career. In 2010, while playing for Ajax, he bit PSV Eindhoven's Othman Bakkal on the shoulder, resulting in a 7-match suspension. Later, during his tenure at Liverpool, Suarez received a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
- The Uruguayan players were deeply concerned for the safety of their families during the altercation in the stands. The incident highlights the need for better security measures in stadiums to ensure the safety of players' families and supporters.
