Read UMass Amherst’s statement on the mayhem following Super Bowl LII
Police had to use pepper spray to disperse a crowd of thousands of rowdy students.
Six people were arrested and 12 were injured Sunday night when a disorderly crowd of about 2,000 people gathered on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus after the New England Patriots lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41-33.Photos and video posted by the school’s independent newspaper, the Daily Collegian, showed students climbing trees, throwing beer cans and glass bottles, and lighting objects on fire. Warning: Videos contain use the use of profanity.
Currently at the UMass post Super Bowl riots. Beer cans, glass bottles, TVs and laptops are being thrown. #SuperBowl @MDCollegian pic.twitter.com/ZwcznYceG7
— Gretchen Keller (@gretchenkellerr) February 5, 2018
Young adults at the Townehouse of Amherst condominiums near #UMass light objects on fire after #Patriots #SuperBowl loss. pic.twitter.com/3ZYWiExNXh
— Daily Collegian (@MDCollegian) February 5, 2018
Our reporter @gretchenkellerr captures the current scene in Southwest, where police in riot gear tell students to disperse. #UMass #SuperBowl #SBLII pic.twitter.com/rTpCGhtZzB
— Daily Collegian (@MDCollegian) February 5, 2018
Read the full statement from the university on the incident:
Six arrests and a number of injuries were reported as approximately 2,000 people congregated in the Southwest Residential Area at the University of Massachusetts Amherst following the New England Patriots’ 41-33 Super Bowl loss Sunday night to the Philadelphia Eagles.
People gathered on the Southwest plaza shortly after the game ended at 10:17 p.m. Amherst Fire Department said ambulances transported 12 individuals. The medical calls included head injuries, lacerations and alcohol intoxication.
UMass Police reported that fights broke out shortly after the game ended, and the crowd threw objects and set off smoke bombs and firecrackers. Police issued multiple dispersal orders before using PepperBall to clear the disturbance. The area was cleared by 11:30 p.m. UMass Police were assisted by Massachusetts State Police and Amherst Police.
UMass Police are proceeding with criminal charges and the university will also initiate a prompt review of the matter under its student conduct process as appropriate.
