Ohio State and Michigan will each be fined $100,000 for violating the Big 10’s sportsmanship policy after their Rivalry Week matchup led to an ugly post-game scuffle.
The Saturday afternoon match was in the news for all the wrong reasons after police stormed the field and pepper-sprayed the players in an attempt to calm the violent scenes.
And it has now been reported by Yahoo Sports that both teams will receive a hefty fine, while the Ohio State Police also continue their own investigation into the circumstances that led the officers to deploy pepper spray.
It is expected that both teams will not contest the fine and will pay it without any appeal.
The frantic post-game scuffle took place at Ohio Stadium as Michigan players planted their school flag on the field – considered a major sign of disrespect in college football — and Ohio State players physically confronted them.
Several players could be seen attacking each other in midfield, throwing punches before things came to a lull.
The violence broke out Saturday afternoon after Michigan’s shocking victory over rivals Ohio State
Michigan players appeared to be pepper-sprayed by police in the aftermath of the fight
However, Derrick Moore from Michigan It then reignited tensions by once again planting a Michigan flag on the lawn.
Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer responded by tearing the flag, and more violence between the two sides ensued.
That’s when Ohio State University police tried to break up the two teams but ended up pepper-spraying several Michigan players who had to be helped off the field.
It was also reported that at least one officer was transported to the hospital, although it was not revealed whether their injuries were related to the effects of pepper spray.
In a statement posted to social media Saturday at 5 p.m. ET, Ohio State University police revealed that an urgent investigation had been launched, but blamed the pepper spray not only on its officers, but also on Michigan law enforcement .
The decision has now been made to fine both football programs $100,000 for the post-match scuffle
Michigan defensive end Chibi Anwunah is escorted off the field after being pepper-sprayed
Florida and FSU players also punched and shoved each other in uglier scenes
“After the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an altercation on the field,” the statement read.
‘During the scuffle, several officers from Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead gaming agency and will continue to investigate.”
The shocking scene in Ohio was just the first of several fights to erupt in college football during Rivalry Week, most of which were sparked by visiting teams trying to plant flags in the hosts’ logo after a win.
Florida did it at Florida State and North Carolina tried it at UNC, while Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was roundly praised for rushing to midfield to prevent his players from trying to do the same after the win over Texas A&M.