Ramón Jesurún, the president of the Colombian Football Federation, was arrested in a chaotic scene after Sunday’s Copa América final between Argentina and Colombia.
Jesurún, 71, who is also a CONMEBOL vice president, is facing three felony counts of battery on a specified official or employee. His son, 43-year-old Ramón Jamil Jesurún, is facing the same charges.
WPLG, Miami’s ABC affiliate, obtained the Miami-Dade Police Department arrest report, which said both men fought security guards at Hard Rock Stadium at around 12:20 a.m. Monday, about 20 minutes after Argentina had defeated Colombia 1-0 in the final.
The arrest report said both father and son “became irate” at the security guards, with the former pushing one guard and the latter grabbing one by the neck and punching him.
The pair was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at around 4:15 a.m. Monday.
Fox Sports Mexico obtained a brief video of the incident, saying that it was sparked by security not allowing the Colombians to use the elevator.
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The arrests added to an overall feeling of chaos surrounding the final in Miami, though they didn’t appear related to the ugly pre-game scenes outside of Hard Rock Stadium.
Fans breached the stadium gates before kickoff, as security forces were overwhelmed. The response from authorities was to close down all entrances, creating a dangerous crush of fans in hot and humid conditions.
Kickoff was eventually delayed by 82 minutes, with authorities allowing scores of fans in without tickets to alleviate the congestion.
After those fans were allowed in, there were several reports of fans with tickets who reached their seats, only to find them occupied and security unable to help. Other fans were not allowed into the stadium despite having valid tickets.
Miami-Dade Police said that there were 27 arrests and 55 ejections on the night.
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