Ramon Jesurun, president of the Colombian Football Federation, has been released on bail following his arrest during the Copa America final. Videos shared by Colombian media on Monday revealed that Jesurun was taken into custody on charges of “assault on officer/employee” at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night.
The incident unfolded when security guards denied Jesurun and his family access to the field for the awards ceremony after Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia. A scuffle ensued, leading to the arrest of Jesurun and his son, according to the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo.
“This badge says ‘full access’ and a security guard disregarded it,” Jesurun stated, showing his official credentials after posting $2,000 bail. He explained, “I insisted that I should enter, and he pushed me, causing a ridiculous, unnecessary melee.”
The match was chaotic, experiencing an 82-minute delay as fans rushed the gates, with some trying to sneak in through air-conditioning ducts. Argentina secured the win with a goal from Lautaro Martinez in extra time.
Police reported 27 arrests and 55 ejections from the stadium, with Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels praising the officers’ response to the situation.
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, indicated that security protocols, including establishing an outer perimeter to screen ticketless fans, were not properly followed. They expressed regret that the actions of a few individuals marred what should have been a celebration of sport.
Earlier in the week, the Copa America was also marked by unrest, as Uruguay players clashed with Colombian fans following their semi-final defeat.
