Arizona Police Break Up 100-Person Fight at Youth Sports Complex
What to Know
- The fight involved approximately 100 people, including players, parents, and spectators, escalating quickly on the soccer field.
- Police responded with over 70 officers from multiple agencies to manage the large crowd and restore order.
- The incident lasted about 45 minutes, after which all remaining tournament games were canceled.
MESA, Ariz. — A youth sports tournament at the Arizona Athletic Grounds was canceled Sunday after a large fight broke out involving players, parents and spectators.
Police said officers were called to the sports complex just after 1 p.m. following reports of a fight on a soccer field, according to KNXV-TV.
Off-duty officers working at the tournament reported that approximately 100 people were involved and requested additional units.
According to police, the incident began during a game when about 10 players from each team became involved in a physical altercation. Parents and spectators then joined the confrontation, significantly escalating the situation.
Approximately 70 officers from Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist with crowd control and to restore order. Police said it took about 45 minutes to clear all fields.
As a result of the incident, officials canceled all remaining games in the tournament, police said.
No injuries were reported among players, parents, spectators or officers. Police said no force was used by officers and no arrests were made.