92 Ejected, 29 Arrested, 62 Hurt at 49ers Playoff Game
The final score of the San Francisco 49ers' victory over the Green Bay Packers may have been 45-31. But the scarier numbers may be 92, 29, and 62. Ninety-two for the number of people who were kicked out of the game. Twenty-nine for the number of arrests made. And 62 for the number of people who needed medical attention.
Across the bridge in Oakland, Raider Nation may get all the publicity for having rowdy and violent fans. But for those in the Bay Area, you probably know that it really isn't that much safer at a 49ers game.
Fights frequently break out in the parking lot before the game, during the game in the stands, and after the game as people try to make their way home.
Of the 29 arrests, 25 were for public intoxication, reports the Associated Press. Two people were arrested for auto burglary, and two others were arrested following the game for a DUI.
Stadium medical staff attended to 62 fan injuries during the game, though the severity of the injuries was not reported.
The NFL is aware of problems with fan violence. Most incidents are alcohol-related and so most teams in the league make their last call before the fourth quarter. But just because you stop drinking 15 minutes before the game ends, this does not mean you're sober.
Along with curbing alcohol sales, the NFL has also taken other measures like requiring ejected fans to pay $100 and take an online course before they're allowed back into the stadium. The new policy adopted this year focuses on topics like alcohol abuse, anger management, and crude behavior.
A incident or two at a football game is expected. However, to have almost 100 people ejected and 29 arrested seems excessive. As the 49ers will be travelling to Atlanta next week and then possibly New Orleans for the Super Bowl, San Francisco cops can expect a break -- until the next football season, that is.
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