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Colombian players protest decision to play day matches

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Football players in Colombia sat down on the field to protest a decision to play matches during the day to help the government stave off an energy crisis.

The sit-down protests lasted only a few minutes and took place in at least eight stadiums hosting top-tier matches during the weekend.

Players say they weren't consulted about the change and warn that playing games during the tropical daytime heat is dangerous and could lead to dehydration.

President Juan Manuel Santos has called on Colombians to contribute to an energy-saving plan to avoid having to implement rationing as drought-like conditions caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon dry out dams across the South American country.