Copa final delayed after ticketless fans rush stadium gates

:The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by more than hour on Sunday after thousands of fans without tickets rushed security and tried to force their way into the stadium, organisers said.

Video circulating on social media showed security scuffling with fans as they ran across the concourses and attempted to breach the gates of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Police managed to close the gates and initiate a lockdown, leading to scores of people stuck outside trying to enter before the match kicked off. Both teams were taken off the field as the chaos brewed outside.

A Reuters witness saw several people being ejected from the stadium by security staff while some players said their families were caught up in the chaos outside and were unable to enter the venue, which will host matches during the 2026 World Cup.

South American football's governing body CONMEBOL pushed the start time back three times from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., to 8:45 p.m. and finally to 9:15 p.m, when the teams were finally able to line up for the national anthems and begin the match.

"In anticipation of tonight's Copa America final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk," a statement from a Hard Rock Stadium spokesperson said.

"Security has shut the gates in order to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe."

Miami-Dade police said there were several incidents before the gates were opened at the stadium.

"These incidents have been a result of the unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium," they said on social media. "We are asking everyone to be patient, and