Fans crash gate as absolute chaos breaks out before Copa America final | Watch Video

Miami: Dozens of fans forced their way into Miami's Hard Rock Stadium venue hosting Sunday's Copa America final in chaotic scenes before kick-off, stadium security staff said.

Hundreds of fans queing for the showpiece between Argentina and Colombia were kept waiting behind entrance barriers, which remained shut more than one hour after they were scheduled to open at 5pm local time.

Security staff said that the gates had been kept closed because fans had attempted to force their way into the stadium whenever the gates had been opened.

A police officer on site at the scene told AFP that several fans had managed to rush into the stadium. It was unclear if they had tickets for the match.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of stadium security at the Copa America following a brawl which marred the end of Wednesday's semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay.

Uruguayan players climbed into the stands and clashed with Colombian fans, claiming family members had been threatened in the aftermath of Uruguay's 1-0 defeat. AFP