Copa America final descends into chaos as fans COLLAPSE in crush, hundreds sneak in through vents... and up to 7000 ticketless supporters are allowed in by shambolic organizers

Hundreds of Colombian fans breached the gates at Hard Rock Stadium and many other spectators were nearly crushed in a chaotic scene before Sunday's Copa America Final against Argentina in Miami Gardens, Florida. 

As a result, organizers decided to open all gates to avoid a potentially dangerous stampede while pushing back the 8pm kickoff to 9:15pm. When it was deemed safe, security resumed the normal entry procedures at all gates, according to stadium officials. 

Around a dozen people have been arrested and many others were seen receiving medical treatment from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, USA Today reported. In one violent incident, a man wearing what appeared to be a reporter's credential walked through the media entrance, only to be tackled and handcuffed by officers. 

The havoc began hours before the scheduled kickoff as fans became frustrated with delays caused by an increased security presence in the intense 90-degree heat. Ultimately scores of fans in yellow Colombian jerseys were seen forcing open iron gates and running onto the stadium grounds. 

Later, many spectators were seen standing in the aisles before the game as the massive crowd appeared to outnumber the available seats at Hard Rock Stadium. Univision estimated that an additional 7,000 fans were present on top of the capacity crowd of 65,000, some of whom were seen crawling through air vents to gain access to the stands. 

A day earlier, organizers told fans not to travel to Hard Rock Stadium unless they had a ticket. 

Miami-Dade police told ESPN that the stadium's southwest gate had been breached, prompting officers to completely shut it down. Later, in a statement, police said they will have a 'ZERO TOLERANCE' policy for any unruly behavior. 

'We have had several incidents prior to the gates opening at Hard Rock Stadium for the COPA America final game,' read a police statement. 'These incidents have been a result of the 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.' 

The situation was eerily similar to the 2020 Euro final at Wembley in 2021, when hundreds of English fans stormed the gates and were able to force their way into the stadium.  

Sunday's highly anticipated final featuring Argentina's Lionel Messi is a sellout, meaning no fewer than 65,000 ticket holders and other fans were baking in the 90-degree heat for hours before kickoff. At one point, organizers rolled a canopy out over the heads of some fans who were waiting to enter. Others who became overwhelmed by the heat were seen receiving water.

'It was crazy, people were just trying to get in like crazy,' David Fernandez, a Colombia fan from Florida, told the AFP. 

'They just didn't want to wait. They were just rushing over and running over. They've opened the gates three different times -- it was good for two or three minutes and then everybody was just rushing.' 

Another fan, Rosey Riales, told the AFP that the masses had grown impatient waiting for the gates to open. 

'People are just riled up and excited, so they're pushing and it's like mayhem,' she told AFP. 'They should have opened the gates sooner to let people in slowly.' 

There was supposed to be heightened security at Sunday's match following the post-game brawl that marred Colombia's semifinal win over Uruguay in Charlotte. Several players rushed into the stands to brawl with Colombian fans, who were accused of harassing team members' families during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat. 

That heightened security led to long lines and masses of people crowding the southwest gate of the stadium. People struggled to move through the crowds as only a few people were let in at a time.

Near the press entrance, a push of people led to one woman requesting medical attention. One police officer was seen drawing his baton but did not use it.

Organizers ultimately were forced to delay kickoff indefinitely as police struggled to gain control of the situation.  

'In anticipation of tonight's Copa America Final, thousands of fans without tickets attempted to forcibly enter the stadium, putting other fans, security and law enforcement officers at extreme risk,' read a statement from stadium officials. 'Security has shut the gates in order to control the entry process at a much slower rate and ensure everyone is kept safe.

'As a result, tonight's match start time has been delayed until further notice to accommodate for ticketed fans to be able to safely enter the stadium.

'All fans without tickets MUST leave the Hard Rock Stadium premises. It is paramount to a successful and most importantly a safe match.'