Hard Rock Stadium officials and police continued to clear away soccer fans who had crowded into the venue for the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia long after the match had begun.
There was chaos outside the stadium, the game was postponed for more than an hour and officials had to clear lines inside the stadium to remove fans who had sneaked in without tickets during the chaos.
“In collaboration with CONMEBOL and law enforcement officials, we have made the decision to briefly open the stadium gates to all fans to prevent rampages and serious injuries around the stadium.” A Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said:“There were serious concerns that spectators would be crushed trying to gain entry. Given this unprecedented situation, police and security personnel were immediately deployed to the stadium and surrounding areas to ensure maximum fan safety.”
“For the safety of everyone in the venue, we ask that fans follow the instructions of police and security throughout the night.”
As a result, police began roaming the stands, checking fans’ tickets and confiscating them if they did not have one.
Footage from inside the stadium showed police officers in tactical helmets walking into one section and clearing away groups of fans.
At least four officers can be seen in the video, and the group of fans appears to leave without further incident.
A post on X by Fox Sports football reporter Ranken Littman included images of police patrolling the rows inside the stadium.
Lizzy Becerano, football reporter for the match, Submitted Videos The stadium was packed, showing little room to move around.
“Security personnel were actively clearing the walkway in front of the press box. The area appeared to be a complete safety hazard during the playing of the national anthem, after which the area was cleared.” Becherano wrote to X.
Horrifying images of the chaos outside were shared on social media, showing some fans storming the entrance gates, scaling walls and air vents and doing whatever it took to get past stadium security and into the match venue.
Earlier in the evening, they attempted to sneak through one of the gates, posing a major safety risk.
Footage from TV Azteca Deportes showed police officers and security guards helping to rescue children from the crushing crowds as they tried to stop the mob from pushing past.
Screams could also be heard during the horrific scenes.
Suddenly, a large number of fans knocked down barricades and children were heard and seen crying in fear.
Argentina player Alexis Mac Allister had to leave the dressing room to help his family enter the stadium, his mother told TyCSports, calling the situation “inhumane.” The Miami Herald reported.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed hope that Sunday’s final would go without incident, especially after fights broke out after the semi-final between Argentina and Uruguay when players fled into the stands to protect their families from fans.
Ahead of the final, he pleaded with fans to behave.
“I really hope that nothing like that happens on Sunday,” Scaloni said. “I hope that the Colombian and Argentinian fans enjoy the event. We will all be there with our friends and families and I don’t want them to have to worry about something happening to them. The footage is like something that happened 50 years ago and should never have happened.”
