Liverpool footballer Darwin Núñez was involved in an altercation with spectators after his national team, Uruguay, lost to Colombia on Wednesday evening in the Copa America semi-final.

The striker was seen physically confronting Colombian fans in the stands after the final whistle. According to Uruguayan outlet El País, the disorder broke out near the section where friends and family members of the Uruguay team were seated.

Núñez has yet to comment publicly on the incident.

TV cameras and fans captured footage of Núñez climbing railings and making his way into the crowded stands of the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was then seen confronting Colombian fans as others attempted to restrain him. Other Uruguay players were reportedly involved in the incident as well.

Uruguay captain José María Giménez said the players were defending their families, describing the situation in the crowd as a “disaster.” He told Reuters, “There was no police and we had to defend our families. This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink.”

Núñez was later seen hugging his son on the pitch after the altercation.

South American football’s governing body, Conmebol, “strongly condemned” the incident and announced an investigation. “There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field,” it stated.

The brawl occurred after Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia, which ended their hopes of reaching Monday’s Copa America final. Earlier, players and coaching staff from both teams had clashed on the pitch after the match concluded.

Núñez, who started the game up front for Uruguay, was unable to convert any of his four attempts on goal.

Liverpool signed Núñez from Portuguese side Benfica for an initial £64 million in June 2022. He has since scored 20 goals in 65 appearances for the club.

Colombia will face Argentina in Monday’s final.