In our last editorial on fan behavior at Oregon football games (“Too drunk to stand up for football game etiquette?” ODE Oct. 26), we implored fans to “stay classy.” After Saturday’s Civil War, it is apparent that “classy” behavior may be too much to ask for.
About 70 people were escorted out of the game by Eugene police, according to the Eugene Police Department. At least one person fought back and ended up in jail, police said. Further, these figures don’t account for the number of fans ejected by DPS and private security officers.
“My sense is that it’s higher than usual,” said Kerry Delf, EPD spokeswoman.
Referees momentarily stopped the game because fans were throwing objects on the field, causing one official to admonish spectators over the public announcement system.
During the rush to storm the field after the game, fans trampled other spectators who fell before the crushing mob.
It’s one thing to have a good good-natured dose of school spirit. It’s another to step on people who have fallen down so you can slap a player on the back. And it’s not just students who were responsible for atrocious behavior at Saturday’s game.
Obviously, calling for self-restraint isn’t enough to quell uncouth behavior. We thus agree with the Student Senate’s Nov. 9 recommendation to University President Dave Frohnmayer and the Athletics Department – the University must take action.
Creating an advertising campaign featuring athletes in commercials on the big screen at games and having coaches talk before games might be useful steps. Yet “more severe measures,” such as revoking ticket privileges of violators and increasing the size and competency of the private security force, will likely be needed if Saturday’s game was a sign of future fan conduct. New field access policies are also needed to allow fans to safely leave the stands.
We urge President Frohnmayer and the Athletics Department to take action on this issue before next year’s football season.
UO must hold fans responsible for behavior
Daily Emerald
November 20, 2005
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