Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez was involved in ugly clashes with Colombia fans after Uruguay's Copa America semi final defeat.
Colombia set up a showdown with world champions Argentina in the final after a 1-0 win at the Bank of America Stadium.
Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma scored the only goal of the game at the end of the first half for Colombia, who saw defender Daniel Munoz sent off for violent conduct in first half stoppage time.
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But the game was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes at the end in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Nunez, who has been in fine form his country of late, was involved in physical confrontation with Colombia fans.
Footage showed the former Benfica man, wearing a GPS vest, climbing over railings and approaching supporters.
Uruguayan outlet El Pais reported that the trouble happened near where members of the players' families were located in the ground.
According to Reuters, captain Jose Maria Gimenez said the players were trying to defend family and friends.
He said: "There was no police and we had to defend our families. This is the fault of two or three people who had a few too many drinks and don't know how to drink."
The scenes in the dressing room followed scuffles on the pitch and as per Associated Press, police were only able to restore order after a 10 minute period.
South American football governing body CONMEBOL have said they are investigating the situation.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa commented on the matter, telling a press conference:
"I thought that the incident ended with some argument on the midfield and when I saw that happening I went to the locker room.
"I thought that they were thanking the fans for their support. But then I learned that there were some problems over there unfortunately."
Colombia meet Argentina in the final at the Hard Rock Stadium in the early hours on Monday, with Uruguay now facing Canada in the third place plau-off.
Topics: Darwin Nunez, Uruguay, Liverpool, Copa America
Josh Lawless