The head of the Colombian Football Federation, Ramón Jesurún, and his son have found themselves in hot water after being arrested following a brawl at Sunday’s Copa América final in Miami.
Mr. Ramón, 71, and his son Ramón Jamil, 43, were taken into custody on charges of battery involving an official or an employee, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department. The incident occurred after Colombia’s heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Argentina in extra time.
The altercation took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the south-eastern US state, just after the match concluded. The police reported that Mr. Ramón and his son became agitated and started shouting at a security officer who was instructed to temporarily delay people from exiting the field.
Things escalated when Mr. Ramón pushed the officer, and his son grabbed the officer’s neck, pulling him to the ground and assaulting him. They also reportedly attacked a female official who tried to intervene, as well as a security manager.
It is believed that the father and son duo were attempting to make their way onto the pitch to participate in the awards ceremony. The Colombian Football Federation has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
The brawl was just one of the many incidents that marred the final, as the start of the match was delayed by 80 minutes due to ticketless fans forcing their way into the stadium. Several arrests were made, and clashes with police and security personnel ensued, with some supporters requiring medical attention from paramedics.
The shocking turn of events involving the head of the Colombian Football Federation and his son has left many in the football community stunned, as they await further developments in this unfolding story.
