Copa America final delayed after dreadful scenes outside ground in Miami

Sunday’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed after chaos outside of the Hard Rock Stadium.

It’s alleged hundreds of fans who did not have tickets to the match attempted to force their way into the venue. In an attempt to restore order and prevent further damage, officials shut down the gates surrounding Hard Rock Stadium, at one point even closing off all the entrances.

In response to the chaotic scenes taking place around the stadium, CONMEBOL – the governing body of South American football – released the following statement: “We inform that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium.

“Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is enabled again. We inform that the match will be delayed 30 minutes, starting at 8:30 p.m. local time.”

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The delay was later extended 15 more minutes, as supporters were still trickling into the stadium and finding their way to their seats at around 8:30. Around 10 minutes later, kick-off was pushed back to 9:15.

Miami-Dade Police additionally released a statement, imploring fans to remain calm while the situation was being handled. “We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game,” the message read. “These incidents have been a result of the unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium.

“We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel. We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behaviour will get you ejected and/or arrested.

“We have a ZERO TOLERANCE behaviour against unruly conduct from everyone attending.”

Photos and videos posted to social media captured fans rushing the turnstiles and scaling the fences surrounding Hard Rock Stadium in an attempt to gain entry. Once inside, several managed to evade police and members of security, as large groups of fans were spotted sprinting through the concourse and towards the empty seats.

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Others were unable to escape security, with several clips showing fans being chased down and detained by police officers. In one such instance, a fan appeared to sustain an injury to their head, as the man was spotted with blood dripping down his entire face while sitting on the floor while donning handcuffs.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. ET – only 30 minutes before the match was initially slated to start – all gates leading into the stadium were closed off, according to Yahoo Sports.

With no way to enter the venue, hordes of attendees – several of whom were reportedly family of players – were forced to stand on line in the sweltering Florida heat despite purchasing tickets to the final.

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