[Source: Reuters]

The Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia was delayed by more than hour on Sunday after thousands of fans without tickets rushed security and tried to force their way into the stadium, organisers said.

Video circulating on social media showed security scuffling with fans as they ran across the concourses and attempted to breach the gates of the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Both teams were taken off the field as the chaos brewed outside.

Police managed to close the gates and initiate a lockdown, leading to scores of people stuck outside trying to enter before the match kicked off.

South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL pushed the match’s start time back three times from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., to 8:45 p.m. and finally to 9:15 p.m, when the teams were finally able to line up for the national anthems.

Miami-Dade police said there were several incidents before the gates were opened at the stadium.

FOX quoted a police officer as saying the situation had not improved outside the stadium.

CONMEBOL said they had tightened security following the semi-final between Uruguay and Colombia, when Uruguayan players clashed with Colombian fans after the match ended.

They also confirmed that Shakira’s half-time show in the final would last 20 minutes. Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo had said he disagreed with the extended half-time break beyond the usual 15 minutes because it could affect players’ fitness.