Football can be unpredictable. One moment it can make players and fans fight each other and other it can reveal a surprising fun fact to lighten everybody’s mood.
Something of similar nature has been discovered following the violent clash that took place after the semi-final match between some Colombian fans and Uruguayan players.
The brawl between Uruguayan players and Colombian fans broke out after alleged violence was initiated by Colombian fans in the players’ family section.
Following that, the Uruguayan players, led by striker Darwin Nunez decided to get back to the perpetrators of the violence and climbed up to the railings of the stands of Bank of America stadium in Charlotte.
Following this incident, a viral claim has been circulating on social media which states that the Colombian fan who allegedly punched Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is, in fact, a priest.
The most popular reaction came from the X handle @blue6oy which commented, ‘Forgive me father for I have chinned’ referring to the punch that the Colombian fan delivered on the chin of the 25-year-old Uruguayan striker.
Know the truth behind viral claim
Despite its widespread reach and popularity, the viral claim has turned out to be false. The man shown in the picture with the Colombian jersey appears to be a lookalike of Venezuelan priest Luis Toro.
It appears to be a matter of luck considering the striking similarities between the two. The man, in the Colombian jersey taking a brawl with Nunez is therefore not a priest.
Additionally, South American Football Federation CONMEBOL released a statement after the game saying that it strongly condemns any act of violence that affects the game.
The statement read, “Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects 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 of their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”
Uruguayan players, however, defended themselves against allegations of violence against them. Veteran Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez had this to say against the alleged allegations.
“Obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them but that doesn’t justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there. What I could see there was a lot of family, a lot of children of my team-mates who were trapped and things were falling on them and you felt helpless.”
Uruguay were defeated 1-0 by Colombia thanks to a stunning header by Jefferson Lerma to a perfectly delivered ball by James Rodriguez in the 39th minute of the game. The Los Cafeteros were defeated by Argentina 1-0 in the finals of the tournament after an emphatic goal by Lautaro Matrinez in the 112th minute of the game.