Uruguay's Darwin Nunez given 5-game ban for role in Copa America brawl

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez was given a five-game ban from international play for his role in a brawl after a Copa America semifinal loss to Colombia, CONMEBOL announced Wednesday.

The South American governing body for soccer also fined Nunez $20,000, issued a four-game ban and $16,000 fine to midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. It gave three-game suspensions and $12,000 fines to Jose Maria Gimenez, Mathias Olivera and Ronald Araujo.

The incident occurred July 10 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Nunez was among several Uruguayan players who went into the stands and fought with fans shortly after the final whistle. Nunez also was shown attempting to throw a chair at Colombia supporters.

Uruguayan players and officials later claimed that they went into the stands to defend family members seated in the area.

Six other Uruguayan players -- Matias Vina, Sebastian Caceras, Brian Rodriguez, Emiliano Martinez, Santiago Mele and Facundo Pellistri -- received $5,000 fines for their roles in the scuffle.

The Uruguayan Football Federation received a $20,000 fine. Federation official Marcelo Garcia was banned from CONMEBOL events for six months.

Uruguay will face Guatemala in a friendly at 7 p.m. EDT Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.