Leo Paradizo, journalist for the private Argentine television channel TNwas evicted along with his cameraman, Diego Spairani, while they were broadcasting live the incidents that preceded the Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia This Sunday in the Hark Rock Stadium of Miami.
It all happened a few minutes before the start of the match, when Conmebol decided to close all access to the stadium and give the green light for both teams to take to the field.
Paradizo was interviewing from inside those who were on the other side of the fence, many of them with tickets.
However, suddenly one of the entrances opened and a group of Colombian and Argentine fans burst in. Miami police tried to control the flood of fans who, with or without tickets, entered in front of the television cameras.
Suddenly, a group of female police officers pushed and cornered the Argentine journalist against a corner, while other officers blocked the images that he was still transmitting live. Some of the people arrested were thrown to the ground and subdued with the use of pistols. Taser.
“Why are they kicking us out? We are working”repeated Paradizo as he was forced to retreat. After a few seconds the signal was cut off.
“It was a moment to reassure and reassure that we are fine. We have always been fine. We understand the limit where our physical integrity is at risk, and we knew how to see that limit so as not to go any further,” said Leo Paradizo minutes later, who criticized the way in which they were expelled from the stadium despite being accredited.
“They threw us out, but we did not disrespect anyone. We were on the side of the people, showing what was happening, and we were physically attacked by those who controlled access. They took us out in a very bad way. It was not contempt of authority. The way they took us out, as if we were criminals, was not. We were doing journalism, our job, showing what was happening,” he concluded.
The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which finally Argentina won 1-0was marked by chaotic scenes this Sunday after thousands of fans, mainly Colombians, violated several access points to try to enter the venue without tickets.
The match, which was scheduled to start promptly at 8:00 pm (local time), was delayed by one hour and 22 minutes due to the massive influx of fans without tickets who tried to force their way into the stadium, prompting the authorities to close the doors.
Miami-Dade County Police issued a statement saying that “these incidents were the result of unruly behavior by fans attempting to access the stadium.”
They also warned that there would be “zero tolerance” for those who did not respect the rules, which could result in expulsions and arrests.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Public Safety Chief James Reyes also spoke out about the chaos at the Copa America final:
“We are outraged by the unprecedented events at tonight’s Copa America final. The Copa America final is hosted by Conmebol, and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) is providing security support along with other law enforcement agencies,” Levine Cava wrote.
“Tonight, MDPD has deployed more than 550 officers to the stadium, including our Priority Response Team, and is utilizing every resource possible to ensure a safe experience for all attendees. Additionally, MDPD has brought in additional personnel from other jurisdictions to support the safety and well-being of everyone,” he added.