2024-07-19 11:41:54
The Uruguayan coach launched a series of attacks against the tournament’s organization for the possible sanctions that his players would receive.
Marcelo Bielsa held an explosive press conference in the run-up to the duel for third place in the Copa America, showing his anger at the possible sanctions that could be received by the players involved in the brawl with Colombian fans, and in passing launching harsh attacks against the organization of the contest.
Regarding the fight that broke out in the stands after Colombia’s victory, the Uruguay coach said that “the players reacted as any human being would have done. If you see that there is a process to mitigate everything, a way out and prevent it, but nothing happens, and they are attacking your wife, your mother, a baby, what will be your reaction? And he asks me if they are going to sanction the players! But please.”
Along these lines, Bielsa took the opportunity to attack the state of the pitches where the Copa América has been played, one of the main questions raised by players and coaches throughout the tournament.
“All lies have been told here. They held conferences to say that the pitches were perfect, when I have a ton of photos as proof of their poor condition. They are a plague of liars. I have already said everything I promised myself not to say. Scaloni once dared to say about the joints (between the grass pads) and they told him not to do it again. He himself had to say that he would not say anything more. The players cannot speak. What is the threat? Sporting, the same as now. Are they going to be suspended? Apologise to them! They have to say We made such mistakes, we are responsible and we take responsibility”.
The Uruguayan trainer further elaborated by saying that “they are all known mistakes! The Americans don’t tell you I give you a perfect courtThey tell you that they gave you one that was installed three days ago and that the joints in the grass do not close. The training camps were a disaster. Bolivia didn’t train, but of course, it’s Bolivia. The penalty against Brazil, all the injustices. But with the lower class of the competition, nothing. So the referees accused by the same federation saying that they did not call a penalty on Brazil when there are 50 thousand knowing that this conditions… You already know all this, man.”
Marcelo Bielsa reiterated his rejection of any possible sanctions that may be imposed on 11 Uruguayan players who were part of the fight at the hands of the Copa América.
“The players were forced to do this, the punishment is for those who forced them to act like this. And we have to see if we are afraid of possible sanctions… This is a witch hunt. Look, we are going to sanction them so that they comply in the match for third place., Now not anymore because there is a lot of repercussion and we are going to have to think. “It’s a disgrace in a country that, as the organiser, also has responsibility, but I’m sure they lied to us. This was a country capable of setting up FIFA Gate and now they’re blaming the players,” he said.