Sport’s highest court has rejected an appeal by five Uruguay players against their bans for clashing with fans after a Copa America semifinal in North Carolina last year, dismissing their claim that they acted in self defense to protect their families.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected an appeal on Tuesday by several Uruguay players and the country's football association (AUF) against disciplinary sanctions imposed by CONMEBOL following a brawl during last year's Copa America semi-final against Colombia.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez must serve the remainder of a ban for his involvement in an altercation with fans while playing for Uruguay after an appeal fails.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez will miss Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers next month after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected his appeal against a five-game ban