<p>Players breathed in tear gas during a Copa Libertadores group stage match in Colombia where they were unwittingly caught up in protests against the country’s government. </p>
<p>While Brazilian visitor Atlético Mineiro was winning at América de Cali 3-1, the match was interrupted eight times, as sirens and explosions echoed outside Romelio Martinez Stadium in Barranquilla late Thursday. </p>
<p>That is the same city scheduled to host the final of the Copa America on July 10, and Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match on June 8.</p>
<p>Uruguayan referee Andrés Cunha allowed the match to continue despite complaints from teary-eyed players as police and protesters clashed around the stadium. One of the interruptions stopped the game for nine minutes. </p>
<p>Barranquila authorities said five people were injured in the clashes.</p>
<p>“To play like we did is almost impossible and we have a big frustration for the situation that Colombia endures," America de Cali coach Jerson González said.</p>
<p>Atlético Mineiro coach Cuca agreed. </p>
<p>“This was the worst thing I ever lived through," Cuca said. "We couldn’t stay on the pitch because every part of us hurt. The eyes, the throat, the nose.”</p>
<p>CONMEBOL ratified on Thursday that Colombia and Argentina will co-host the Copa America next month. Colombia’s association of professional footballers said it was against playing matches under such social tensions.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, similar protests in Barranquilla also interrupted another Copa Libertadores match between local side Atlético Junior and Argentina’s River Plate. They drew 1-1 as clashes erupted outside their stadium. </p>
<p>Separate demonstrations on the same day in the city of Pereira delayed the start of another Copa Libertadores match. Colombia’s Atletico Nacional and Uruguay’s Nacional drew 0-0 after the start of their game was delayed for one hour.</p>
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