"Ultimately, two Massillon police officers deployed pepper spray, which was effective," Massillon police Chief聽Jason Saintenoy "We have thoroughly reviewed this incident and found they operated within our policies and procedures for the use-of-force action taken."
The聽Massillon police chief says the deployment of pepper spray followed multiple verbal orders telling Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field.
"Unfortunately, the conclusion of the game brought with it multiple physical altercations on the field between both teams,"聽Saintenoy wrote.聽"Team staff members, coaches, and Massillon police officers were forced to intervene and separate players during the postgame handshake. Officers gave lawful orders on multiple occasions for Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field and head toward their locker room.
"The verbal commands were an attempt to deescalate the pushing and shoving occurring. Those commands were ignored. At one point during the incident, a Massillon player's facemask was grabbed; he was surrounded, and then chased by Cardinal Ritter players."
The department's Facebook post also contained a
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"Officers once again ordered the visiting team off the field. All of this was transpiring while the Massillon marching band and cheerleaders were now on the field for the ceremonial post-game playing of the school's alma mater. This factor concerned officers as they continued to order Ritter players off the field.
"The Ritter players again charged at Massillon players who were now near the band,"聽Saintenoy wrote.
The video shows that after the teams had been separated, several Cardinal Ritter players rushed toward Washington players and away from their own locker room. At this point, police sprayed several Cardinal Ritter players.
Cardinal Ritter President Tamiko Armstead said in a statement, "We are very troubled by the video of what happened," and added that she is helping parents file complaints against the police department.
Earlier this week, one parent posted on X: "No child should have to experience this after simply walking off the field."
