Follow the latest from the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia
The build-up to the Copa America final saw chaotic and dangerous scenes as thousands of supporters were prevented from entering Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for the game.
The showpiece match of the tournament between Argentina and Colombia saw a number of fans detained after attempting to gain entry without tickets before security gates across the venue were closed at around 6pm local time, approximately two hours before kick off.
Supporters, including young children, were then left stranded outside the stadium in large numbers with the searing heat in the area only adding to the issues.
Temperatures in the Miami area where the stadium is situated are as high as 88 degrees.
A Miami-Dade police spokesperson told The Athletic there were multiple arrests for battery on a police officer, as well as multiple people trespassed.
Pictures taken outside the stadium show several people wearing Colombia shirts being detained by police officers and security guards.
The Athletic witnessed people being removed from the queue to get into the stadium. One of those included a man with a cut to his head.
A police officer at the stadium earlier told The Athletic that gates by the southwest entrance of the stadium, where VIPs and families of the players enter, have been closed because of people trying to access the ground without tickets.
The Athletic has contacted tournament organizers CONMEBOL for comment.
The incidents in Miami come just days after the semifinal match between Uruguay and Colombia saw a number of players clash with supporters following the game.
Uruguayan players, such as Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, were involved in altercations with coach Marcelo Bielsa later heavily critical or the tournament organizers.
Additional reporting: Paul Tenorio, Felipe Cardenas
More follows.
(Top photo: The Athletic)
Read the full article here