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    Colombian soccer president arrested: Why Ramon Jesurun was taken into custody after Copa America final

    By Dan Treacy,

    5 hours ago

    The Copa America final descended into chaos well before the match got underway on Sunday, with ticketless fans breaching the gates at Hard Rock Stadium and attempting to get into the building before anyone was allowed in.

    The battle between Argentina and Colombia was ultimately delayed 75 minutes as officials tried to gain control of the situation and grapple with the security risks posed by so many fans gaining access without being screened.

    While photos and videos showed arrests being made, many fans were able to get through. Some footage even shows Colombia fans climbing into air vents to get into the stadium.

    Among the arrests made on Sunday night was Ramon Jesurun, president of the Colombian soccer federation. Here's what you need to know about Jesurun's arrest and the charges he's now facing.

    MORE: Why Copa America chaos will not be repeated during 2026 World Cup

    Ramon Jesurun arrest, explained

    Jesurun was arrested and hit with three felony charges of battery on a specified official or employee at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. He is accused of fighting with security guards after the game, which Colombia lost in extra time. Jesurun's son was also arrested on similar charges.

    Police accuse Jesurun of pushing a security guard after he was asked to step back. The Colombian soccer president was reportedly "yelling in his face" before he was asked to take a step back.

    Jesurun's son, meanwhile, is accused of grabbing the security guard by the neck and punching him.

    Jesurun wasn't arrested as part of the rush of fans who charged past the gates and into Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the match, but tensions were high in the building and police were on high alert. Miami-Dale Police released a statement earlier in the night saying they have a "ZERO TOLERANCE" policy against unruly behavior.

    Twenty-seven people were arrested and 55 were ejected on Sunday night, Miami-Dade police said. The event was widely characterized as a security failure, with some fans blaming CONMEBOL, which organizes the Copa America tournament.

    Hard Rock Stadium was about 7,000 people over capacity as a result of the pregame madness, according to Univision.

    Jesurun, 71, has since been released from jail after being booked in the early hours of Monday morning.

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