In what was a hotly contested 1-0 semi-final loss to Colombia during the Copa America last summer, Darwin Nunez was retrospectively given a suspension from international football.
The striker was engaged in a physical confrontation with the Colombian fans at the end of the match, in response to an outbreak of disorder in the stadium where players’ family and friends were located.
Read more: Why Liverpool could be about to make DECISIVE Andy Robertson decision
Nunez was seen climbing the railing of the Bank of America stadium with some of his teammates in what were some of the most remarkable scenes of violence.
At the time, Reuters reported that the Uruguay captain José María Giménez had claimed that the players had no choice because their families were under threat.
He said: “There was no police and we had to defend our families. This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don’t know how to drink.”
After the incident, Nunez was seen hugging his son on the pitch and the Uruguayan striker was given a five-match ban for international matches, allowing the player to feature for Liverpool but not his country.
Appeal launched to dismiss the suspension
According to Carlos Bardakian, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has today formally launched an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss the punishment that went Darwin Nunez’s way.
➡️ AUF presentó el recurso ante el TAS. Además, el Dr. Ariel Reck solicitó la suspensión condicional de la sanción, a la espera de la Resolución del TAS.
➡️ Si el TAS otorga el efecto suspensivo, Darwin Núñez y Rodrigo Bentancur podrían jugar 🆚 @TuFPF y @FEFecuador. pic.twitter.com/j7ZiXEv7ic
— Carlos Bardakian (@CarlosBardakian) October 3, 2024
Nunez has already missed two games for Uruguay during the last international break and the hope is that the striker and his teammate Rodrigo De Paul will be allowed to feature in the Puma’s upcoming fixtures against Peru and Ecuador during the international break next week.
The No.9 has been treated carefully by new Liverpool boss Arne Slot so far this season, with his minutes limited to try and embed some tactical tweaks to his game.
However, despite only starting for the Reds three times, the forward has notched a goal and an assist and he will be a useful asset to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad should CAS rule in Uruguay’s favour.
Darwin Nunez could be set for SHOCK Uruguay return this month5 mins ago
Landmark FIFA transfer verdict could cost Liverpool hundreds of millions45 mins ago
Why Liverpool MUST think twice or risk repeating £70m Everton MISTAKE2 hours ago