Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez slapped with five-match international suspension following brawl at Copa America 2024

Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez has been given a five-match international ban by CONMEBOL on Wednesday (Aug 28) for his role in a fan altercation during the Copa America 2024 in the United States. Nunez, who is currently playing for Liverpool, will be unavailable for the next two international breaks as a result of his involvement in the fan unrest following their Copa America semifinal loss to Colombia in July.

After Uruguay’s defeat to Colombia in July, Nunez was seen exchanging words with fans while driving into the Bank of America Stadium stand. He was later seen exchanging punches in a huge altercation with the fans which caused public unrest and was seen as unsportsmanlike behaviour. Nunez was fined $20,000 with the other players receiving fines ranging from $16,000 to $50,000.

Four other players have been suspended, with 11 sanctioned overall, as a result of the investigation into the violence at the end of the clash between Uruguay and Colombia in Charlotte.

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Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a four-match ban, which means he won’t travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September and October. Other players to get bans include - Mathias Olivera, Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez all barred for three matches. Six other players received only fines.

Uruguay are set to face Paraguay and Venezuela in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and will look to take a giant stride towards qualification. However, they will have to do it without the services of their star players.

The punishments are open to appeal but the CONMEBOL statement did not state when the suspensions, which cover games organised by CONMEBOL and not domestic competitions, would begin.

(With inputs from agencies)