Uruguay striker Luis Suárez condemned Colombia’s “ugly” celebrations following a heated Copa América semifinal that erupted into violence at the Bank of America Stadium. The match saw Colombia’s Miguel Borja taunting Uruguay’s players after their 10-man team secured a 1-0 victory, sparking altercations both on the pitch and in the stands.

The victory, which propels Colombia to the final against defending champions Argentina, was marred by post-match chaos. Borja’s provocative celebration in front of the Uruguay bench triggered a furious response from Suárez, who likened it to poor sportsmanship. “We eliminated Brazil the other day, and none of us celebrated in front of any Brazilian players,” Suárez remarked. “To celebrate in front of a professional colleague like that is ugly.”

Tensions escalated as Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez and other teammates climbed into the stands to confront fans who were allegedly throwing objects at their families. “You see your partner, kids, parents … elderly people in the stands, and you want to know how they are,” Suárez explained. “If you see that a family member is being attacked, you try and defend them. It does not justify what happened, but you have to realize they were trying to protect their families and their children.”

Footage on social media showed Liverpool’s Núñez at the forefront of the confrontation, exchanging blows with opposing fans. The South American football governing body CONMEBOL is investigating the incident and condemned the violence.

Uruguayan Football Association President Ignacio Alonso defended the players’ actions, citing the need to protect their families from danger. “It was an instinctive, natural reaction to defend their kids, partners, parents, and siblings,” Alonso stated. He also noted that measures were taken to ensure the safety of those affected by the chaos.

Colombia’s victory came courtesy of Jefferson Lerma’s first-half header. Despite playing the second half with 10 men after Daniel Muñoz was sent off, Colombia held on to reach their first final since 2001. They will face Argentina at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night, while Uruguay will play Canada in the third-place game on Saturday.