The president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún, was arrested during the Copa América final between Colombia and Argentina for allegedly fighting security guards at Hard Rock Stadium. Jesurún, who also serves as the vice president of CONMEBOL and is a member of the FIFA council, is facing three felony counts of battery on an official or employee. The incident also involved his son, Ramón Jamil Jesurún, and occurred after the match when security guards were trying to hold back fans and media from a tunnel. The elder Jesurún allegedly pushed a guard, while the younger Jesurún grabbed the guard’s neck and punched him. Both Jesurún’s were arrested and expected to appear in Miami court.
The chaotic scene at the Copa América final in Miami did not stop with the altercation involving Ramón Jesurún and his son. Prior to the match, there was pure pandemonium as several fans rushed past security without tickets and sprinted toward seats, causing a delay in the match start time. Miami-Dade County officials criticized the situation, emphasizing the need for safety and security of all attendees. More than 550 officers were assigned to the stadium, and officials promised a full review of the events to put in place needed protocols and policies to prevent such incidents in the future. The destruction and chaos, which included fans destroying an escalator and attempting to enter the stadium through airducts, led some to question Miami’s preparedness for hosting the 2026 World Cup.
The chaos at Hard Rock Stadium during the Copa América final also led to the displacement of children from parents and injuries among fans. Videos showing fans destroying property and attempting to enter the stadium illegally raised concerns about safety and security measures at the venue. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni highlighted the unusual circumstances surrounding the match, as players waited for their family members to enter the stadium. Some ticket holders were unable to experience the match despite paying thousands of dollars for seats. Hard Rock Stadium issued a statement in partnership with CONMEBOL to address individual concerns and prioritize the health and safety of guests and staff. The stadium also vowed to work with law enforcement to hold accountable those who engaged in illegal conduct.
The chaotic events at the Copa América final in Miami raised questions about the preparedness of the venue and the handling of security and crowd control. Fans and officials expressed disappointment at the unlawful and unsafe behavior that impacted what should have been a night of celebration. The statement issued by Hard Rock Stadium acknowledged the challenges faced by ticket holders who were unable to enter the stadium after the perimeter was closed, promising to work with law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those involved in criminal activities. The stadium committed to reviewing processes and protocols to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future, emphasizing the importance of health and safety for all guests and staff.
The arrest of Ramón Jesurún, along with the chaotic scenes at the Copa América final, highlighted the challenges faced by organizers and law enforcement in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of attendees at major sporting events. The incident involving Jesurún and his son brought negative attention to the event, overshadowing the excitement of the match between Colombia and Argentina. The aftermath of the chaotic scenes prompted calls for a thorough review of security measures and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Despite the disruptions and challenges faced during the final, officials and stadium management remained committed to addressing concerns and improving safety standards for future events.
