Fans cause mayhem around Copa América final [VIDEOS]

Chaos broke out at the Copa América final on Sunday and spread beyond the field and in the stands of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Wild scenes unfolded as videos and photos circulated, revealing a allegedly demolished the escalator by unruly fans, leaving broken glass strewn and guardrails collapsed at the bottom.

This is what the Hard Rock stadium lobby looked like. pic.twitter.com/Fvz11FYzmg

— Ivan Kasanzew (@IvanKasanzew) July 15, 2024

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Geo Milian, a South Florida sportswriter, condemned the scene as “barbaric and unacceptable!” highlighting the chaos that marred Argentina's 1-0 win over Colombia.

The 72 Club entrance to Hard Rock Stadium tonight…

Barbaric and unacceptable! pic.twitter.com/jDl3y3vgAr

— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) July 15, 2024

The start of the match was delayed due to the frenzy of the fans, when the crowds were clamoring for the gates in such overwhelming numbers that gates had to be opened for everyone to avoid a stampede.

BREAKING: The gates of Hard Rock Stadium have been broken open and dozens of fans have started to enter for 2024 #CopaAmérica end Police are scrambling to try and stem the flow of people. pic.twitter.com/fkoMMYGk8K

— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) July 14, 2024

Some fans resorted to crawling through the vents to try and get in.

More people are getting into the game through… what??? The ventilation??

What's happening in the Copa América final? pic.twitter.com/QKgkwEmnCW

— Tactical Manager (@ManagerTactical) July 15, 2024

As a result of overcrowding, reports emerged of lax ticket controls and the enforcement of assigned seating in the stadium.

My tickets were not checked and seats were not assigned, so I am going behind the handicap seats on the upper level. absolute mess #CopaAmérica pic.twitter.com/b3rYszlzSi

— Between clean sheets | Cheyenne (@btwncleansheets) July 15, 2024

The police come in and check the tickets. Kicking people out row by row at Hard Rock Stadium #CopaAmérica Finals pic.twitter.com/nydcfd4iXC

— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) July 15, 2024

In at least one incident, fans wearing Columbia shirts emptied a giant bag of concession popcorn, leaving a substantial mess in their wake.

Because? Why morons? Why do they do this? pic.twitter.com/8g5bk7JxlH

— Beto Coral (@Betocoralg) July 15, 2024

Expressing dismay at the events, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levina Cava and Public Safety Chief James Reyes issued a joint statement demanding accountability and action.

“We are outraged by the unprecedented events [Sunday’s] Copa América Finals… Let's be clear: this situation should never have happened and cannot happen again. We will work with stadium management to ensure a full review of tonight's events is carried out immediately to assess the entire chain of events, in order to put the necessary protocols and policies in place for all future matches “. – Daniella Levina Cava and James Reyes

Hard Rock Stadium, a venue marked by Sunday chaos, is scheduled to host games for the World Cup 2026.

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