Following the thrilling victory against their rivals, the Wolverines rushed to celebrate with their band, families, and cheer team. After a brief pause, they appeared with the Block M flag and made their way to midfield to stake it down for the second time in three years in The Shoe.
However, the Ohio State players were not going to stand by, and they charged at the gathered Michigan players. Several altercations erupted, prompting an increased police presence. Nonetheless, it was evident from our observations on the ground that law enforcement displayed a level of aggression, utilizing pepper spray not just on the players involved, but also affecting nearby reporters, and even physically confronting Michigan players who were distanced from the altercation.
The authorities in Ohio have issued a statement indicating their plans to conduct an investigation.
Following the match, Michigan’s coach Sherrone Moore promptly spoke on the matter, expressing his desire for his players to have refrained from placing the flag at midfield.
“It was emotions on both sides,” Moore said. “On our guys, I didn’t see they had the flag, and guys were waving it around, and their guys charged us. So it was emotion on both sides. It can’t happen. Rivalry games get heated, especially this one. It’s the biggest one in the country, so we gotta handle that better.”
