Hundreds of Colombian fans broke through the gates of Hard Rock Stadium and many other spectators were nearly crushed in a chaotic scene ahead of Sunday’s Copa America final against Argentina. As a result, organizers postponed the 8 p.m. kickoff indefinitely and made an announcement instructing fans without tickets to leave the stadium.
Dozens of fans wearing yellow Colombia shirts were seen forcing open iron gates and running into the stadium. It is unclear how many fans had tickets and how many simply snuck in. A day earlier, organizers told fans not to travel to Hard Rock Stadium unless they had a ticket.
About a dozen people were arrested and seven others were seen receiving medical treatment by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, USA Today reported. In one violent incident, a man wearing what appeared to be a journalist’s credential walked through the media entrance but was tackled by officers and handcuffed.
Miami-Dade police told ESPN that the stadium’s southwest gate had been breached, prompting officers to lock it down completely. Later in a statement, police said they will have a “ZERO TOLERANCE” policy for any unruly behavior.
“We have had several incidents prior to the opening of the gates at Hard Rock Stadium for the final match of the Copa America,” read a police statement. “These incidents have been the result of unruly behaviour by fans trying to gain access to the stadium. We ask everyone to be patient and respect the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium staff.”
Police arrest Colombian fan during CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 final
Police try to detain a Colombian fan outside the stadium ahead of Sunday’s final
A police officer carries an unconscious fan at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami
The situation was eerily similar to the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in 2021, when hundreds of England fans stormed the gates and managed to force their way into the stadium.
Sunday’s eagerly awaited final, featuring Argentina’s Lionel Messi, has already sold out, meaning no fewer than 65,000 ticket holders and other fans were left roasting in 32-degree heat for hours before kick-off. At one point, organisers unfurled a tarp over the heads of some fans waiting to get in. Others who were overcome by the heat were seen being showered with water.
“It was crazy, people were trying to get in like crazy,” David Fernandez, a Colombian fan from Florida, told AFP.
“They didn’t want to wait. They were rushing and running. They opened the doors three different times. They were fine for two or three minutes and then everyone started running.”
Many fans were overwhelmed by the crowd and required emergency medical treatment.
Fans forced open the front doors before entering Hard Rock Stadium.
Police are seen allowing some Argentine fans to enter while other spectators wait to enter.
Fans try to enter the stadium amid riots ahead of the CONMEBOL Copa America final
Police officers patrol as fans wait to enter the stadium ahead of the Copa America final
Hard Rock Stadium officials ordered fans without tickets to leave the venue immediately.
Another fan, Rosey Riales, told AFP that the crowds were impatiently waiting for the doors to open.
“People are very upset and excited, they are crowding around and it’s chaos,” he told AFP. “They should have opened the doors earlier to let people in little by little.”
Security was supposed to be tightened at Sunday’s game following the post-match brawl that marred Colombia’s semi-final win over Uruguay. Several players rushed into the stands to brawl with Colombian fans, who were accused of harassing the players’ families during their team’s 1-0 victory.
The heightened security led to long lines and crowds packed together at the stadium’s southwest gate. People had trouble moving through the crowd as only a few people were allowed in at a time.
Near the press entrance, a push by people caused a woman to ask for medical attention. A police officer was seen taking out his baton, but did not use it.
The crowd remained sparse for hours as heightened security slowed the arrival of fans into Miami.
Organizers were eventually forced to delay the start indefinitely as police struggled to control the situation.
“In anticipation of tonight’s Copa America final, thousands of ticketless fans attempted to force their way into the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement at extreme risk,” read a statement from stadium officials. “Security has closed the gates to control the entry process at a much slower pace and ensure the safety of everyone.
‘As a result, the kick-off time for tonight’s match has been delayed until further notice to allow ticketed fans to safely enter the stadium.
‘All fans without tickets MUST leave Hard Rock Stadium. This is essential to ensure that the game is a success and, above all, safe.’
