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Florida State and Florida players scuffle at midfield after the Gators’ 31–11 victory in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley)
College football was a combat sport on rivalry Saturday.
Rivalry week matchups are always heated with tensions and resentments building. But four annual clashes ended with fights between opponents when the winning road team attempted to plant a flag on the home field of their adversary to punctuate a victory.
Each scuffle was notable for different reasons. But they were all provoked by similar sentiments. The victors wanted to make a statement, while the defeated wanted to protect their home turf and prevent further indignity.
Pepper spray used in Michigan-Ohio State conflict
The melee receiving the biggest spotlight occurred at the end of Michigan’s 13–10 win over Ohio State in Columbus. Wolverines players brought a maize flag bearing the block “M” out to midfield and thrust it into the Ohio Stadium turf. The Buckeyes took exception to the gesture and confronted their opponents, resulting in several players pushing and shoving each other, with punches being thrown.
Unfortunately, what made the Michigan-Ohio State fight stand out was coaches, security personnel and police getting involved to break up the conflict. In the process, Ohio State police used pepper spray to subdue players, with several bystanders also being affected.
Ohio State University Police issued a statement on social media saying the matter was being investigated.
“Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation,” the statement read. “During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead agency for games & will continue to investigate.”
NC State flag nearly thrown in stands by UNC
A similar scuffle…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/flag-planting-celebrations-cause-fights-to-break-out-in-several-heated-college-football-rivalry-games-055054636.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-12-01 05:50:00
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