Uruguay players defend decision to enter crowd to protect families amid Copa América brawl

Uruguay striker Luis Suárez defended his teammates' decision to enter the stands following a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the Copa América semifinals, saying the action was necessary to defend families and supporters.

After a physical and emotional game that included seven yellow cards and one red card, players exchanged words and shoves at midfield of Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday night.

Uruguay players, including Darwin Núñez, noticed an altercation behind the team's bench and about a dozen or so players then climbed into the stands as the melee continued.

Some players were seen throwing punches before Charlotte Mecklenburg Police officers and stadium security restored order after about 10 minutes.

"Obviously when one has your woman, your little child, your father, elderly people, you want to go and see if they're OK," Suárez said. "Here these things, it's an image that no one wants to have created but obviously if someone is attacking your family you want to go and defend them. But that doesn't justify the image that it created. We had to protect our families that were there."

CONMEBOL, South American soccer's governing body, said Thursday its disciplinary committee opened an investigation.

"It is unacceptable that an incident like this turns passion into violence," the statement said.

Suárez said he could see family members and children in the crowd, and he worried about their safety. More than 70,000 fans attended the game, and at least 90% cheered for Colombia and wore their bright yellow colors.

"[They] were trapped and things were falling on them, and you felt helpless," Suárez said.

Uruguay's José María Giménez called the situation a "disaster."

"Our family is in danger," Giménez told FOX. "We had to get on