Crowd Chaos As Fans Kept Waiting Outside Copa America Final. See Pics, Videos

Chaotic scenes delayed the start of the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia on Sunday by over 75 minutes after fans were kept waiting outside the venue for hours. Tournament organisers halted entry into the ground and delayed kick-off of the South American football showpiece after fans rushed the entrance gates, clashing with security and leading to the gates being closed, two hours before kick off. Fans were gradually, slowly, allowed into the venue, later, with some needing medical attention mainly for heat exhaustion.

Shortly before the scheduled start of the game, gates were opened and fans were allowed to flood in - with no ticket checks.

This is a serious security breach at Hard Rock stadium. Just look at those kids and fans. All they wanted is to watch a Copa America final and have fun. Then other fans want to enter without tickets. They deserve better systems. pic.twitter.com/UBmO9mje4D

An AFP reporter on the scene witnessed several fans receiving treatment from paramedics inside the venue and others staggering and needing help from friends before lying down on the floor.

Miami Dade Police said in a statement there had been "several incidents" prior to the game at the venue.

"These incidents have been a result of unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium," the statement said.

"We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers ... unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a zero tolerance behavior against unruly conduct from everyone attending."

'Treated like animals'

Fans however took aim at the organisation of the event, with one Argentina supporter saying fans had been treated like "animals."

"They are treating us like animals,