Police officers removed ticketless supporters from the the stands of Hard Rock Stadium after hordes of unruly fans forced their way into the venue ahead of Sunday’s Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia .
After play finally began following a delayed kick-off, members of security made their way row by row through the crowd and checked fans tickets. Those who were sitting in seats that didn’t belong to them were promptly escorted to the exits and forced to leave.
But several X users argued that the security measures were mostly pointless, insisting that the final had already been spoiled. “This is probably a measure to appear like they have it under control, which they don't. They'll throw out a few unticketed people, but the majority will blend in so it's a mostly useless action,” one X user wrote.
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Another added: “They needed to do a full sweep of the stadium and kick everyone out instead of just asking fans without tickets to leave. This is a disaster, and it's going to continue to be one.”
Prior to kickoff, scores of fans attempted to sneak their way into Hard Rock Stadium by any means necessary. Video posted to social media captured supporters climbing over the high fences surrounding the venue, while others were seen trying to shimmy through an underground air ventilation system .
In response to fans' attempts to forcefully enter the stadium, Miami-Dade Police released a statement condemning the acts, adding that those who are caught would be removed and/or detained.
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"We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the Copa America final game," the message read. "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. 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 a ZERO TOLERANCE behaviour against unruly conduct from everyone attending."
In an attempt to stop the influx of ticketless fans, officials closed off all of the entrances surrounding Hard Rock Stadium. CONMEBOL - the governing body of South American football - subsequently delayed the start of the match by over an hour, with play not beginning until around 9:15 p.m. ET.
Even with the significant delay, several fans who purchased tickets allegedly weren’t able to reach their seats in time for kick-off. In one clip circulating across X, multiple supporters displayed tickets on their phones while standing in front of the gates surrounding Hard Rock Stadium, with one individual exclaiming: “I paid $2,000 per ticket.”
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