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Chaotic Scenes Mar Copa América Final: President of Colombian Federation Arrested, Fans Rush Gates

The Copa América final was marred by chaos and controversy, as the start of the match was delayed by more than an hour due to fans rushing past security and stadium attendants without tickets. Additionally, the president of the Colombian Football Federation was arrested for allegedly assaulting security guards.

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The much-anticipated Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia was overshadowed by chaos and violence on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The start of the match was delayed by more than an hour as thousands of fans without tickets rushed past security and stadium attendants, sprinting toward seats. Police were forced to use pepper spray and batons to control the crowd, while several fans were injured in the stampede.

Amidst the chaos, a more serious incident occurred involving the president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún. Jesurún, who is also a vice president of CONMEBOL, the governing body for Copa América, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee. According to police, Jesurún and his son allegedly assaulted security guards who were holding people back from a tunnel where the media were gathering following Colombia's 1-0 loss to Argentina.

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The incident with Jesurún and his son capped off a night of chaos that began before the match even started. Fans rushed the gates of the stadium, leading to ticket holders being displaced from their seats and some being injured. The pandemonium continued inside the stadium, as fans destroyed an escalator and attempted to enter through air ducts.

The chaos and violence at Hard Rock Stadium has raised concerns about Miami's ability to host major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes criticized the situation, saying that it should never have taken place and cannot happen again.

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"Our top priority must be the safety and security of all our residents and visitors," Cava and Reyes said in a statement. "We urge everyone in attendance at tonight's game to abide by all directives from law enforcement and security personnel for the safety of all attendees."

Hard Rock Stadium also issued a statement, noting that many ticket holders were not able to experience the match despite paying thousands for seats. The stadium said it would work with CONMEBOL to address individual concerns.

"We understand there are disappointed ticket holders who were not able to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed and we will work in partnership with CONMEBOL to address those individual concerns," the stadium said. "Ultimately, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of all guests and staff, and that will always remain our priority."

The Copa América chaos has left a stain on the tournament and raised serious questions about the ability of Miami to host major sporting events in the future.