On Sunday, passionate soccer fans caused mayhem at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, as they gathered to watch the Copa America final between Colombia and Argentina.
Fans were seen swarming gates near various security checkpoints outside the stadium in the hours before kickoff, with videos posted to social media showing fans jumping security barriers and running past police officers and stadium attendees.
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Fans wait to enter the stadium before the Copa America Final between Argentina and Colombia on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
Police speak with fans outside the stadium ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
Due to the disturbance, the start of the game was postponed from 8:00 PM ET to 9:15 PM ET. Players from both teams were removed from the field while security personnel tried to control the situation. Players re-entered the field at approximately 8:40 PM ET and continued their pre-game warm-ups.
“Ahead of tonight’s Copa America final, thousands of ticketless fans attempted to force their way into the stadium, putting other fans, security and police officers in extreme danger,” a Hard Rock spokesperson said in a statement. “Security has closed the gates to allow for a much slower entry process to ensure everyone’s safety.”
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Police patrol the area as fans wait to enter the stadium ahead of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynn Sladky)
Hard Rock Stadium asked fans without tickets to leave the stadium.
“This is paramount to ensuring the success of the match and above all a safe match,” the spokesman added.
Miami-Dade County Police also released a statement about the incident.
“These incidents are the result of disorderly behavior by fans attempting to enter the stadium,” the statement said. “We ask that everyone remain patient and abide by the rules set forth by police officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. Anyone engaging in disorderly behavior will be subject to removal and/or arrest.”
More than 65,000 fans were expected to attend the final at Hard Rock Stadium.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after warming up before the team’s Copa America final against Colombia on July 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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The incident came days after a brawl broke out between players and fans following Colombia’s semi-final win over Uruguay.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
