Chaos at entrance delays start of America’s Cup final

Around 5:40 p.m. (local time), trouble began near Hard Rock Stadium. Dozens of fans without tickets reached the only security filter and attempted to enter the stadium en masse. Authorities and logistics workers attempted to control the avalanche by force, causing confusion and suffering among those present.

The incidents occurred very close to the southwest gate, which is designated for media entry.. Journalists and fans found themselves at the center of persecution by security forces and Several people were arrested by the police. The organization closed all access points to control the crowd, which led to chaos and delays at the entrance.

30 minutes before the start of the game, the stadium stands looked empty. On the outskirts, checkpoints prevented normal access for fans. Combeball confirmed this. The final match between Colombia and Argentina, scheduled for 20:00 local time, was postponed by an hour.

“We inform you that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium. Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is reopened.– the organization stated.

For their part, Miami-Dade County police issued the first official statement on the events that took place.

«We had several incidents at Hard Rock Stadium before it opened its doors for the America’s Cup final. These incidents were the result of undisciplined behaviour by fans trying to get into the stadium. We ask everyone to be patient and follow the rules set by our officers. and stadium staff.

We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all visitors. Unruly behavior may result in expulsion and/or arrest. We have a zero tolerance policy for misconduct by all participants.“.

Fans slam logistics glitches

«This is a disaster. I’m here with my family, with my mother… the last thing I want is to see her pinned against a fence. I invited her because it’s a party, football is a party. I want her to have a good time, and people are breaking down, pressing themselves against the bars, because the security operation here was terrible.There are thousands of people here who wanted to come and get in, and it can’t be that the only place they ask you for a ticket is at the entrance.“, an Argentine fan told Diario AS.

“I was on the street for two hours, complete disorganization. There is no air, people are drowning. There were children, old people, women… it doesn’t matter at all. “It’s very disorganized, the lack of logistics is very bad,” added Angela Caicedo, a Colombian fan.