The Copa America 2024 final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has been delayed by 75 minutes. It had been delayed by 30 minutes earlier, CONMEBOL announced on X.
“We would like to inform you that individuals without tickets will not be allowed entry into the stadium. Only those with purchased tickets will be permitted entry once access is reopened. We also inform you that the match will be delayed by 30 minutes, starting at 8:30 PM,” the governing body’s statement read.
The Miami-Dade Police Department put out a statement as well. “We’ve had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game. These incidents have been a result of the unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium. We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel,” it said.
“We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behaviour will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have zero tolerance behaviour against unruly conduct from everyone attending,” the statement added.
Now, the match will kick off at 6 am IST (8:30 pm local time).
Hundreds of viewers queing for the showpiece between Argentina and Colombia were kept waiting behind entrance barriers, which remained shut more than one hour after they were scheduled to open at 5pm local time.
Security staff told AFP that the gates had been kept closed because fans had attempted to force their way into the stadium whenever the gates had been opened.
A police officer on site at the scene told AFP that several fans had managed to rush into the stadium. It was unclear if they had tickets for the match.
Fans interviewed by an AFP reporter described chaotic scenes at the entrance gates.
“It was crazy, people were just trying to get in like crazy,” said David Fernandez, a Colombia fan from Gainesville, Florida.
“They just didn’t want to wait. They were just rushing over and running over. They’ve opened the gates three different times -- it was good for two or three minutes and then everybody was just rushing.”
Rosy Riales said fans had got increasingly frustrated at the failure to open the gates on time. “People are just riled up and excited, so they’re pushing and it’s like mayhem,” she told AFP. “They should have opened the gates sooner to let people in slowly.”
(With AFP inputs)
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