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A school football match ended in chaos after police used pepper spray in an attempt to defuse verbal and physical altercations.
The Cardinal Ritter High School football team from St. Louis traveled nearly 500 miles to Massillon, Ohioand it turned into a nightmare trip.
Cardinal Ritter lost to Massillon High School 28-14 in what was said to be a tough, physical game all night.
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Police used pepper spray on a St. Louis high school football team to defuse a dispute with their opponents. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
Tensions flared during the postgame handshake when several players had to be separated, leading to the use of pepper spray.
Police said the officers involved “acted within the bounds of our policies and procedures.”
“Our mission was to ensure the safety and security of everyone entering the stadium, including fans, students and athletes. “Unfortunately, the conclusion of the game resulted in numerous physical altercations on the field between both teams,” he said. Police said in a press release.
The press release then explained why pepper spray was used.
“Team staff, coaches and Massillon police were forced to intervene and separate the players during the post-game “handshake.” “Officers repeatedly gave legal orders to Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field and go to their locker room,” the statement said.
The player needed water to get into his eyes after spraying pepper spray. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
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“The verbal commands were an attempt to de-escalate the pushing and shoving that was occurring. These commands were ignored. At some point during the incident, a Massillon player had his mask grabbed; he was surrounded and then pursued by Cardinal Ritter's players. The visiting team was again ordered off the field by officers. alma mater of the school. This factor worried the officers as they continued to order Ritter's players off the field.
“The Ritter players again attacked the Massillon players, who were now close to the orchestra. It was an unfortunate and difficult situation for the officers, who spent the entire incident trying to restore order. Ultimately, two Massillon police officers used pepper spray, which proved effective. “We thoroughly reviewed this incident and found that they acted within the confines of our use of force policies and procedures.”
This was announced by Cardinal Ritter officials. Fox 8 in Cleveland they contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association to see what action they could take.
The game was unstable throughout. (Dylan Kelly/@dpk.captures)
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“We are aware of an incident that occurred at a football game in Massillon, Ohio, last week and were very concerned by the video of what happened,” Cardinal Ritter President Tamiko Armstead said in a statement.
Current Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams visited Cardinal Ritter. Paul Brown, co-founder of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, also attended Massillon.
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