BTN News: The final of the 2024 Copa América was at Hard Rock Stadium. It was supposed to be a big celebration of football. Argentina’s victory over Colombia was a highlight, but the event will be remembered for the chaos outside the stadium. Fans without tickets caused a dangerous situation at the entrance.
Many Fans Without Tickets Tried to Enter the Stadium Causing Massive Chaos
Many fans came to the Miami Gardens stadium without tickets. They tried hard to get in, creating a huge and chaotic scene. This situation was new for the venue. The match, which was supposed to start on time, was delayed by an hour and a quarter.
Quick Response from Police and Security Prevented a Possible Disaster
The fast action from police, stadium staff, and security stopped a potential disaster. Even though they were not ready, these teams managed the large crowd. But it was clear that the security was not enough for this big event. It looks like they did not expect the need for more security.
CONMEBOL Blamed Stadium Authorities for Ignoring Extra Security Advice
CONMEBOL, who organized the tournament, blamed the Hard Rock Stadium authorities. They said they followed the stadium’s decisions. CONMEBOL advised extra security, but it was ignored. They stressed that their experience with big events was not considered.
Local Officials Blame CONMEBOL for the Chaotic Events
Miami Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava and Miami-Dade Police Chief Jaime Reyes blamed CONMEBOL. They were angry about the events and said it should not have happened. Levine-Cava noted that Miami-Dade Police were only helping and not in charge of all security.
Miami-Dade County Authorities Initially Deployed Inadequate Number of Officers
Miami-Dade County had 550 officers at the event. This number was not enough. More officers came later, but it was too late. The lack of preparation for extra fans led to 27 arrests and 55 expulsions. Many fans with tickets could not enter because of the chaos caused by others.
Colombian Football Federation President and Son Arrested After Altercation with Security
The president of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún, and his son were arrested. They fought with stadium security when not allowed to join the awards ceremony. They were released later on bail.
Investigation Launched to Ensure Future Security and Preparedness for Major Events
This event has led to calls for a full investigation. Miami-Dade County wants to make sure this does not happen again. Hard Rock Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup matches. The county is now looking into what went wrong and how to improve security. Suggestions include hiring more security, setting up multiple security checks, and strict penalties for rule breakers.
Conclusion: Need for Better Planning and Respect for Rules
While Argentina’s win was great, the chaos outside the stadium was a big problem. The images of the disorder spread widely, hurting Miami’s reputation. Blame is shared by many, from event organizers to the fans. This incident shows the need for better planning and respect for rules. This will help ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone in the future.
