Colombian football head arrested in Miami
The head of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún, along with his son, has been arrested after a brawl broke out in the Copa América final in Miami. The 71 year old and his son Jamil Jesurún were held on charges of battery involving an official or an employee, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.
These charges relate to the brawl at the stadium following Argentina’s 1-0 extra time victory over Colombia in the final on Sunday. Neither Jesurún or his son have made public statements about the issue at the time of writing. In a statement sent to the BBC, the police department said that the incident happened just after the match ended at the Hard Rock Stadium in the ‘sunshine state.’
Jesurún and his son were reportedly “walking towards the entrance of the field” before they were “irate and began shouting” at one of the security officials who were instructed by his management to temporarily delay people from going further.
The police said that officers had “placed an open palm” on his son’s chest, hoping to guide him back. He then pushed the officer, they said, while his son grabbed him by the neck, pushing him to the ground, and punching and kicking him in the head. Jamil Jesurún also grabbed and pushed a female official who tried to assist, according to police who also added that both men had punched a security manager.
They were believed to have been trying to get onto the pitch to take part in the awards ceremony.
The Colombian Football Federation did not make an immediate comment on the issue. The start of the final of the most prestigious football tournament in the Americas was delayed by 80 minutes after fans without tickets forced their way into the stadium. A number of arrests were made following clashes with the police and security personnel and multiple supporters needed treatment from paramedics.
The semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay was also marred by fan violence with a number of Uruguayan players entering the stands, reportedly to protect their families from fan violence.
