AMHERST, Mass. – A post-game riot that occurred Dec. 15 has prompted a campus-wide investigation at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass).
The incident occurred shortly after the school’s football team lost 28-17 to Appalachian State in a NCAA championship game held in Chattanooga, Tenn. For more than two hours fans upset by the loss hurled filing cabinets and beer cans, set fires and broke windows in the southwest portion of campus. Officials believe 1,800 – 2,000 people participated. In total, 11 people, including 10 UMass students were arrested.
Campus police say they may be able to identify additional participants because of CCTV footage taken during the riot. Access card records will also be checked. Officials say students who are identified could face criminal charges and judicial sanctions.
Several different anti-rioting methods, including PepperBall, were used to disperse the crowd. Two officers were injured during the disturbance.
