Florida State at Florida: A Rowdy Rivalry Causes Multiple Arrests and Ejections

The Sunshine State Showdown left FSU fans cheering, UF players ejected, and the Gator Band with unexpected company.

Alcohol can bring out the worst in people. Alcohol, paired with passionate fans, can amplify that. Alcohol, paired with rowdy fans in an emotional rivalry loss, is a recipe some of the 90,000 fans in attendance for last Saturday's game reluctantly had to experience in FSU's 24-15 win over UF. 

According to a report by WCJB, based in Gainesville, UF University Police arrested seven people during the contest against Florida State, and 44 people were ejected for various reasons, some more serious than others. 

Three people were arrested for battery on a police officer, two for entering the field, and two for trespassing. Per the report, a mother and son attacked a police officer after the latter was asked to stop vaping. The report didn't elaborate on the third arrest.

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There is no doubt that the atmosphere inside the Swamp was loud and hostile, and FSU fans know all too well that some of the Florida Gators fan base is, let's say, 'devoted.' The report didn't absolve any FSU fans but did mention that of the people ejected/arrested, 14 were University of Florida students.

Fifteen attendees were ejected for disorderly conduct, eight for intoxication, two for entering the field (behind the Gator Band), eight for sitting in the wrong section, four for possessing alcohol, and two for swapping tickets.

The tensions carried onto the field as well. Two UF players were ejected from the game—one for spitting on FSU OL Keondre Jones and another for targeting. The latter delivered a hit with the crown of his helmet to FSU QB Tate Rodemaker as he slid for a first down.

The mindset shown by the UF roster wasn't just aimed at their opponent. Players hit their coaches on the sidelines and made obscene gestures toward officials. This seems to spell out the overall attitude down in Gainesville, at least in this rivalry brought by the Florida Gators.

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