Marcelo Bielsa angrily hands out blame for Copa America fight scenes in crowd

Marcelo Bielsa, the head coach of Uruguay, let rip in a press conference ahead of the third-place match against Canada at Copa America. The former boss of Leeds United lashed out at US Soccer and CONMEBOL for their disorganisation following an attack on his players and staff after their 1-0 semi-final defeat to Colombia.

During the fracas, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was punched by rival fans when he and his fellow team-mates defended family members whose section was invaded by supporters.

"One has to speak thinking about all the threats that one receives if one speaks," an indignant Bielsa noted, "The only thing I can say is that the players reacted as any human being would have done. If they are attacking his wife, his mother, a baby, his wife, his sister... What do you do? " He went on with a pointed enquiry: "Do you ask if they are going to sanction those who went to defend? There is a degree of complicity, because the questions also act in a complicit manner. You (the journalists) have to say this, not what I have to say."

He rounded off his loaded remarks stating: "When you see that there is a violent act, of course who is going to be in favour of a violent reaction, but the first thing you have to see is what the reaction is in response to, and if there would have been the possibility of doing it differently."

Bielsa then exploded with fury, as journalists continued to downplay the event and shift focus. "There is a portion of journalism that is bought. As I am not stupid, I said that I do not know in what proportion, but I do know that there is a percentage that does not say what it should say," he declared. "I am not accusing everyone, I am accusing those who remain silent."

The incident is still under investigation, with potential bans looming despite Uruguay players' attempts to shield their loved ones.

The match between Colombia and Uruguay was marred by tension, with eight cards flashed, including a red for Colombia's Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz. His teammate Jefferson Lerma netted the decisive goal, propelling Colombia into the Copa America final against Argentina this Sunday.

Chaos ensued at the final whistle, with players clashing before Nunez dashed towards the stands, followed by Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez. Nunez was struck by a spectator as he climbed into the stands.

Reports later surfaced that Colombian supporters had invaded the area behind the team benches, where Uruguay players' friends and family were seated. Nunez was subsequently seen consoling his young son on the pitch after security intervened to control the situation.

Gimenez was livid post-match, questioning the lack of police presence to safeguard players, staff, and fans. Bielsa echoed Uruguay's frustrations in his press conference, using the platform to spotlight the shortcomings at Copa America and stand up for his national team.