Key Takeaways
- The Copa America final was delayed due to fan chaos and security breaches at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
- Hundreds of fans breached security gates, causing a delay of at least 30 minutes.
- The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) announced that only ticket holders would be allowed to enter the stadium once access was enabled again.
Miami: The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed on Sunday after hundreds of fans breached security gates before the scheduled kickoff at Hard Rock Stadium.
Videos posted on social media showed fans scaling barriers and running past police and security staff near the southwest entrance of the venue in Miami Gardens.
Screams were heard and some people could be seen receiving medical treatment in the searing Florida heat.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) announced that the kickoff time, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, would be postponed by at least 30 minutes.
“We inform that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium,” the governing body said on social media. “Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is enabled again.”
Miami-Dade County’s police department issued a statement in which it condemned the incidents and promised to show “zero tolerance” toward unruly fans.
“We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel,” the statement read. “We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested.”
A sellout crowd of more than 65,000 was expected to attend the title-deciding match
