Fans appeared to break through the security gates at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night just hours before the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia.
Video posted on social media showed fans jumping over security railings near the southwest entrance of the stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and running past police and stadium staff. Screams could be heard in the background.
A handful of people could be seen getting medical treatment and asking for water in the sweltering South Florida heat. Police pushed the crowd behind black gates and blocked the entrance to ensure no one could enter, although many fans had already taken their seats.
A young fan wearing an Argentina jersey was led through the gates crying hysterically as the man with him and a police officer tried to comfort him.
BREAKING NEWS: Doors to Hard Rock Stadium have been breached, and fans are beginning to flock to 2024 games #america cup final. Police are working to stem the crowds. pic.twitter.com/fkoMMYGk8K
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 14, 2024
One fan, Claudio, who traveled from Mendoza, Argentina, to watch the game, said he couldn’t breathe as police tried to quell the chaos.
The Miami-Dade County Police Department issued a statement on social media after the incident, citing “several incidents” that occurred before the stadium gates were opened.
“These incidents were caused by unruly behavior by fans trying to enter the stadium,” the statement read. “We ask that everyone remain patient and follow the rules set forth by our officials and Hard Rock Stadium staff. We are working with Hard Rock Stadium to Stone Stadium actively cooperates to ensure a safe environment for all participants. Unruly behavior may result in ejection and/or arrest.
Attendance for the South American Championship is expected to be over 65,000.
It was unclear which fans who attended during the rush had tickets for the match – South American soccer’s governing body CONMEBOL issued a statement a day earlier warning that fans must have tickets to enter venues.
The tournament was marred by organizational problems and safety concerns. Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa criticized the organizers of the game after his players brawled with Colombian fans, while Canada coach Jesse Marsh said his team were being treated like second-class citizens.
