Louisville Cardinals‘ 16-14 victory over North Carolina Tar Heels ended with a heated on-field brawl as players from both college football teams clashed after the final whistle on Saturday night.
The incident happened in Chapel Hill after the Cardinals secured their fifth consecutive win. Players began exchanging words during Louisville’s victory formation before pushing escalated into several physical confrontations.
Advertisement
The tension followed a crucial defensive play by Louisville. With 58 seconds remaining, defensive back Jabari Mack intercepted a fourth-down pass from North Carolina quarterback Travis Burgess.
Mack returned the ball 32 yards before sliding to secure possession. Louisville then ran out the clock to claim the two-point victory.
MORE: Landry Kiffin turns heads in stunning yellow minidress for final LSU home game
However, the postgame celebration soon turned into chaos. North Carolina defensive tackle Xavier Lewis and Louisville offensive lineman Johnnie Brown III continued jostling after the final kneel-down.
Advertisement
Other players soon joined the confrontation. Several pushed and grabbed opponents, while apparent punches were thrown during multiple skirmishes across the field.
Louisville and UNC coaches react to the brawl
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) looks to pass before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick stepped onto the field to help separate players. One confrontation also spilled into the end zone, where another group became involved.
Belichick addressed the incident after the game, making his position clear.
“You play the game between the whistles, that’s not what we’re here for,” Belichick said. “We got out there and got everybody out as quickly as possible.”
Advertisement
Louisville coach Jeff Brohm also expressed disappointment about the incident.
“It’s obviously unfortunate,” Brohm said. “You try to get things broken up as fast as you can. It didn’t get broken up too fast, and you never want to see that happen.
“I’d have to see what really started it. Hopefully we can correct that and not do that again.”
The Cardinals improved to 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the ACC. North Carolina dropped to 5-5 and remains one victory away from bowl eligibility.
Advertisement
Louisville will host Pittsburgh next Saturday, while North Carolina travels to Virginia. Neither team nor the ACC has announced disciplinary action.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
