“It was inhumane” - Alexis Mac Allister’s mum reveals Argentina star had to leave locker room to help his family get into Hard Rock Stadium
Alexis Mac Allister's mother has revealed that the Liverpool midfielder had to help his family enter the Hard Rock Stadium to watch Argentina in the Copa America final. Sunday's encounter (July 14) against Colombia was delayed by over an hour due to a security breach.
The thousands of fans who attempted to enter the stadium without tickets seemingly put lawful supporters at risk. With the gates closed to avoid such fans from entering the stadium, the area outside became overcrowded and among these people were the elderly and children.
Opening up about the situation, Mac Allister's mother, Silvina, told TyC Sports (via This is Anfield):
"Alexis had to leave the locker room to help us get in because he was worried. I thought (the game) couldn't continue. I thought the game wouldn't be played because the players thought they would resolve this, impossible that it would be played.
"It was inhumane. We are okay. We were in communication with Alexis the whole time, but he said he would stay outside until we would come in. He waited for us until we came in. We hugged him once inside, left him to be calm and told him to win."
Eventually, the game did get underway, and we had to wait till extra time for a winner. After a goalless first 90, the match's only strike was scored by Argentina through substitute Lautaro Martinez in the 112th minute for a 1-0 win.
Miami-Dade County’s police department issues statement after witnessing fans illegally entering Copa America final involving Argentina
The Miami-Dade County police department issued a rather strict warning on social media concerning those fans who were attempting to enter the Copa America final illegally.
Reports revealed that the situation had seemingly got out of hand, with some needing medical attention as well. This aforementioned statement read (via The Guardian):
"These incidents have been the result of unruly behavior of fans trying to access the stadium. We are asking everyone to be patient, and abide by the rules set by our officers and Hard Rock Stadium personnel.
"We are actively working with Hard Rock Stadium to ensure a safe environment for all those attending. Unruly behavior will get you ejected and/or arrested."
Despite these scenes from before the game, the main story was about Lionel Messi, who won his second Copa America with Argentina. However, he could not complete the match due to an ankle injury.