Police deploy pepper spray after high school football brawls after a football game
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A high school football game ended in chaos after police used pepper spray in an attempt to defuse verbal and physical altercations.
The Cardinal Ritter Prep High School football team traveled from St. Louis nearly 500 miles to Massillon, Ohio, and the trip turned into a nightmare.
Cardinal Ritter fell to Massillon High School 28-14 in what was said to be an exhilarating, physical game all night.
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Police used pepper spray on a St. Louis high school football team to defuse fights with their opponents. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
Tensions escalated during the post-match handshake, when several players had to be separated, prompting the use of pepper spray.
Police said the officers involved “worked within our policies and procedures.”
He added: “Our mission was to ensure the safety and security of everyone entering the stadium, including fans, students and athletes alike. Unfortunately, the end of the match brought with it multiple physical altercations on the field between the two teams.” The police said in a statement.
The statement then explained why pepper spray was used.
“Team members, coaches and Massillon police officers had to intervene and separate players during the post-game ‘handshake.'” The statement continued: “Officers issued lawful orders on several occasions for Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field and proceed to their locker room.”
One player needed water in his eyes after being pepper sprayed. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
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“Verbal orders were an attempt to calm the pushing and shoving situations occurring. These orders were ignored. At some point during the incident, a Massillon player’s face mask was taken, he was surrounded and then chased by Cardinal Ritter players. Officers again ordered the visiting team off the field. All of this occurred while the Massillon band and cheerleaders were now on the field celebrating after the game. School Alma. Raised This factor worried the officers as they continued to order Ritter’s players off the field.
“The Ritter musicians again attacked the Massillon musicians who were now in close proximity to the band. This was an unfortunate and difficult situation for the officers, who, throughout the entire incident, attempted to restore order. Ultimately, two Massillon police officers used pepper spray, which was effective. We have thoroughly reviewed this incident and found that they operated within our policies and procedures regarding use of force actions taken.”
Cardinal Ritter officials said Fox 8 in Cleveland They contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association to see what action they could take.
The game was volatile throughout. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
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“We are aware of the incident that occurred at the football game in Massillon, Ohio, last week, and we are deeply disturbed by the video of what happened,” Cardinal Ritter President Tamiko Armistead said in a statement.
Current Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams attended Cardinal Ritter. Paul Brown, co-founder of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, also attended Massillon.
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