Western Reader
The National Football League (NFL) has been dealing with a concerning trend that affected the start of its 2023 season.
A series of violent incidents involving fans raised serious concerns about safety at games, prompting some to question whether it’s time for the NFL to consider segregating fans.
The most recent incident involved Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old man who tragically lost his life after being assaulted by a Miami Dolphins fan at Gillette Stadium.
This shocking event occurred just days before another brawl broke out in San Francisco. In Dallas, multiple fights erupted in the stands during a game between the Cowboys and the New York Jets, leaving the AT&T Stadium floor stained with blood.
Cincinnati Bengals fans are frustrated. Bengals Fan on Bengals Fan violence.#NFL fans fight at the #Bengals and #Ravens game.
Crazy headbutt landed! pic.twitter.com/nMtTmRwqTs
— Boxing Now (@_BoxingNow_) September 17, 2023
These are not isolated incidents. The preseason was also marred by violence, with a brutal brawl breaking out among 49ers fans during a game against the Broncos.
One fan was left bloodied after being punched to the ground. Another incident saw a Bengals fan headbutt another supporter while being led away in handcuffs ahead of Cincinnati’s game.
The concept of segregating fans is not new. European soccer leagues have long implemented this practice to curb hooliganism, which became rampant in the 1960s.
The segregation of home and away fans was introduced in English soccer following two major incidents in the 1970s. While it hasn’t completely eradicated fan violence, it has certainly made a significant improvement.
However, the idea of fan segregation is largely unprecedented in US sports. American sports fans, known for their camaraderie and shared love for the game, would likely resist such a drastic measure.
Though given the escalating violence, it’s a conversation that needs to be had.
This is not a “lmaoooo” moment! A fan lost his life in front of his son recently. The #NFL needs to seriously address this issue.
This is an American pass time, not an American passed time. Fan on Fan violence must stop. ✋#LetsDoBetter 🤜🤛 https://t.co/QWfdEgWSRh
— TheStarWeAre (@TheStarWeAre) September 22, 2023
The NFL has yet to publicly address these incidents, let alone take action to protect its fans. This silence is alarming, especially considering the severity of the incidents.
A man died, fans have been left bruised and beaten, and stadiums were left blood-splattered. The league’s inaction is not just disappointing; it’s dangerous.
The NFL needs to act now. Fan safety should be a top priority and the league must take steps to ensure that everyone can enjoy the game without fear of violence. If the current trend continues, fan segregation may become an inevitable solution.
Right now, the NFL is at a crossroads. It can either continue to ignore the escalating violence and risk further harm to its fans or take decisive action to address the issue.
Segregating fans may seem like a drastic step, but if it can help curb the violence and ensure the safety of all attendees, it’s a step worth considering.
This article appeared in The Patriot Brief and has been published here with permission.
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