Darwin Nunez could face lengthy ban after fighting with Colombia fans following Uruguay defeat

After the fixture, however, there were ugly scenes in the crowd as tempers boiled over.

Nunez had to charge into the stands to protect his family, with the Liverpool striker seen fighting with Colombia supporters.

The former Benfica star was later snapped holding his young son on the pitch looking visibly emotional at what had unfolded.

But while Nunez was reportedly protecting his loved ones, he could face a lengthy ban for his actions.

South American football's governing body, CONMEBOL, have said they 'strongly condemn any act of violence' at the tournament.

A statement read: "CONMEBOL strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.

JUST IN: Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman makes furious complaint after crushing Euro 2024 defeat to England

"Our work is based on the conviction that football connects us and unites us, through its positive values.

"There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the field.

"We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their teams and having an unforgettable party."

Nunez's Uruguay team-mate, Jose Maria Gimenez, was also forced to enter the stands.

READ MORE: BBC urged to 'get rid' of Gary Lineker after controversial comments in Spain win over France

And the Atletico Madrid defender blamed the incident on fans, while also taking aim at the police for failing to act with speed.

He told Reuters: "This is an embarrassment, there wasn't one police officer to control them.

"We had to go and defend our own just because they can't control their drinking.

"This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don't know how to drink."

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Gary Lineker thinks he's been proven right after England beat Netherlands - 'I've been calling'
• Gary Neville slams 'absolute disgrace of a decision' in England and Netherlands Euro 2024 clash
• Jude Bellingham makes worrying revelation after England beat Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final

Uruguay boss Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, has fronted up and taken the blame for his side's defeat.

He said his team failed to make the most of a red card for Colombia star Daniel Munoz, who was dismissed at the end of the first half.

A disappointed Bielsa said: "Uruguay was in a clear condition to win this match if you assess the individual talent in each squad.

"I manage the team that, in my opinion, had the stronger individual talent and we weren't able to make the difference that I thought we were going to make if you compared bot formations.

"I am personally liable for not achieving the result, despite having these players that were capable of being superior than the opponent.

"We were not able to seize our extra man advantage, and when a team wins with less individual talent, logically, the manager that is coaching the weaker team shows that he is superior than the coach that had the best players."