“Darwin Did What All Fathers Would Do” – Reflecting on Darwin Nunez’s Copa America Antics | OneFootball

Reflecting on Darwin Nunez’s Controversial Uruguay Antics

This past week saw some horrendous coverage in the stands of the Bank of America Stadium, as the Copa America last four pitted Columbia against Uruguay, in the semifinal of the celebrated South American tournament. That game ended with Columbia winning the intriguing contest 1-0, courtesy of a Jefferson Lerma goal.

The result was later marred by discontent in the area surrounding the family and friends’ section of the main stand, which saw a group of drunken Colombian supporters intimidate and harass the wives and children of the Uruguayan national team. From this point onwards, the reaction was swift and intense.

Photo: IMAGO

As wholly expected, the on-pitch Uruguayan players rushed to the aid of their families, with multiple assets of Marcelo Bielsa’s national team forcing encroachment into the stands. The lack of security (in the arena) and potential dangers created within such a hostile atmosphere, meant the fathers and sons below had no choice but to rush to safeguard their families.

With specific regard to Liverpool’s passionate centre forward, Darwin Núñez, the former Benfica man did not hesitate to get to between the crazed mob and his infant child, who was in danger of being overwhelmed by the pressure above. The urgency and determination of the popular hitman was evident, with videos since showing a desperate father trying to protect his family from a clutch of angry spectators.

The interpretation of what transpired has been varied (dependent upon interpretation), however, all I saw was a dad attempting to do everything in his power to protect his son. The anger and frustration that built up was entirely understandable, yet will potentially be what is used against him.

Nunez’s Potential Punishment

The Liverpool striker (and various other players) will almost certainly receive some form of ban, which will hopefully be limited to the international stage. Certain points of view will be put forward by the players and their coaches, which may see some common sense prevail on whichever panel decided their fate. The fear is that FIFA (with my lack of confidence in the federation) could use the reds 24-year-old attacker as a martyr, thereby making him the villain of the piece. In that potential instance, I can foresee various persons standing up for the infectious goal scorer, with one perhaps placing himself in the crosshairs of those that could come for him.

Photo: IMAGO

Support and Protection

The illustrious former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, remains a close and loyal friend of Liverpool Football Club, having spent nine glorious years on Merseyside. Apart from the brilliance in performance, the main positive one could take from his tenure, would undoubtedly be the relationship he built with his players. I suspect that his first unemployed summer since 2015, has been spent cheering on his boys (as well as Germany, of course), who would have been spread across various teams on the international stage.

The loyalty and admiration that was evident between everyone related to the 57-year-old, will have gone both ways and I cannot see a way in which the former Borussia Dortmund manager would not stand up to defend one of his former boys. As a manager that would often come under fire (for his comments) from which ever association he worked under, the emotions would often run hot, whereas in this period of pure sabbatical, there would be no real implications for him in charging to the defence of a player, he was once tasked with looking over and guiding through his opening two years in England.

Despite this South American predicament causing a slight divide (in opinion) through the Liverpool fanbase, the reds just departed former manager will surely not hesitate to speak out if he feels that the punishment does match the heavily provoked crime. In terms of what any ordinary parent may do, if a child were in danger, even the most non-confrontational man or woman would find it hard not to react as the 28-cap Uruguayan star did. The way in which the actions are interpreted can be swayed by carefully chosen words, which is where I can see the confrontational nature of Jürgen Klopp coming to the fore.

While the dust settles and as conversations continue in the background, I assume one legendary German will be sat in his holiday home, after giving the assurance (to his under fire former player) that he will stand by him and ensure he has heavyweight backing, from one of the most important men in modern football history. Two years ago, the former Liverpool boss was the very man who championed the signing of the exciting prospect from Liga Portugal, who would eventually sign for a club that live by the mantra, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone.’

In terms of the next steps for the reds Uruguayan Raging Bull, that sacred line may well get tested in the next few days and I cannot think of a better man to answer the call, than the legend who once signed him.