Copa America organizers quickly issued an apology, one that blamed the mishap on “human error”.
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“We sincerely apologise to the Uruguayan Federation, the Uruguay national team, the people of Uruguay and to the fans for this mistake”, read a statement from tournament officials.
It didn’t get much better for Uruguay once the match started.
Uruguay, who had Matias Vecino dismissed on the stroke of halftime after a second booking for a foul on Jesus Corona, equalised in the 74th minute from the free kick awarded when Guardado was also shown a second yellow card.
Mexico went on to defeat Uruguay 3-1.
Early on, the own goal came after a near-perfect center pass from just inside the right sideline by Guardado.
In a bad-tempered encounter in Phoenix on Sunday, Uruguay had a man sent off in the first half and conceded two goals in the last nine minutes.
Hector Herrera and Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira both leapt to meet Andres Guardado’s curling cross from the left with the defender heading into his own net. “We will work with all parties involved to make sure such an error does not happen again”.
The Copa America 6-A-Side competition will be contested over three legs coinciding with Jamaicas three group stage matches on June 5, 9 and 13 followed by big screen viewings of the Reggae Boyz matches with half-time entertainment and giveaways, plus treats for kids and the whole family throughout the day.
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Mexico plays Jamaica on Thursday night in Pasadena, California, in front of what is bound to be another huge crowd at the Rose Bowl.
