The Georgia-Florida college football game took an ugly turn in the EverBank Stadium stands Saturday when two police officers repeatedly punched different fans in an aisle.
It’s unclear what caused it to begin in the first place and whether any arrests followed, but during a 15-second clip posted to X, one police officer threw three punches at a fan who was already on the ground, while another police officer punched another fan at least seven times before eventually wrestling him to the concrete.
A third police officer was shown in the clip away from the other two, but he didn’t appear to punch anyone.
during the Georgia-Florida football game on Nov. 2. Screengrab via X/@BarstoolTate
game on Nov. 2. Screengrab via X/@BarstoolTate
At one point, another fan yelled out, “Why are you punching him?” in disbelief as the second police officer kept repeatedly slamming his right fist into the fan.
“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s Professional Standards Division is aware of the videos circulating from the Georgia-Florida football game,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement posted to X on Saturday. “Administrative reviews of the incidents are being opened. As such, the agency will not comment until all facts are known and the reviews have been completed.”
While plenty of fan fights have broken out at sporting events this year, from a Cowboys-Giants one at MetLife Stadium to Cardinals fans fighting each other at State Farm Stadium during a game against the Commanders, the one that unfolded at the Jaguars’ home stadium was different because of the police officers’ involvement.
Georgia-Florida football game on Nov. 2. Screengrab via X/@BarstoolTate
The punches were thrown with just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the annual rivalry showdown, typically held in Jacksonville at a neutral site, dubbed “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party.”
And despite Georgia entering at No. 2 in the Associated Press rankings and Florida struggling to keep its season afloat, the Gators took a 13-6 lead into halftime after Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck threw two interceptions.
But Georgia erupted for 28 points across the final 30 minutes and took the lead for good following a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive with four minutes remaining.
Aidan Warner threw an interception on the Gators’ next drive, and Dwight Phillips Jr. rushed four yards for a touchdown two snaps later to give the Bulldogs a two-possession lead.
Georgia travels to face No. 19 Ole Miss next weekend, while Florida will face No. 6 Texas in Austin on Saturday.