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Jacksonville Jaguars issue statement on Sunday scuffle, ban four fans

By Alex Butler
Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Doug Marrone. File photo by Art Foxall/UPI
Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Doug Marrone. File photo by Art Foxall/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars issued a statement Monday regarding the actions of several fans who threw objects onto the field during their win Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

Jacksonville beat Seattle 30-24 at EverBank Field. Seconds before the closing whistle, players from each team got into multiple scuffles, resulting in ejections and unsportsmanlike conduct flags.

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The most notable sequence occurred when Seahawks defender Quinton Jefferson was walking off the field and into the tunnel. Fans could be seen throwing things at Jefferson, before he ran up to the bleachers and nearly jumped over a retaining wall to confront them.

Each coach addressed the ugly ending in their postgame comments. The Jaguars made the decision to ban those fans from future games at the stadium.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars in no way condone the behavior of a small group of fans that occurred at the conclusion of Sunday's Jaguars vs. Seahawks game, which involved the throwing of several items on to the field in the direction of a visiting player," the Jaguars said in a statement Monday.

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"Immediately following the conclusion of the game, a thorough examination of the incident was initiated involving the Jaguars, NFL Security, the stadium management company [SMG], the Jacksonville Sherriff's Office and the stadium security company [SAFE Management]. While the investigation continues, the group has reviewed video footage and interviewed fans and staff who were in the vicinity. During the incident, four individuals threw five objects from the stands. These objects included plastic cups with ice and liquid, a bag of popcorn and a plastic bottle. In accordance with the Jaguars' Fan Code of Conduct, these individuals are being identified and will be contacted. If they are Jaguars season ticket holders they will immediately have their season ticket member privileges revoked indefinitely. Those purchasing single game tickets will indefinitely lose the option to purchase tickets for future games through the Jaguars and our affiliates. In addition, each will be banned from attending Jaguars games in the future."

"We're grateful for the immediate response by stadium security personnel to the situation. The Jacksonville Jaguars and our stadium partners are firmly committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visit EverBank Field, including fans and members of the visiting team. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few would tarnish the reputation of the Jaguars fan base and the positive, electric game day atmosphere at yesterday's game. EverBank Field is well-known around the league for its world-class game day experience and the manner in which visiting fans are treated. In advance of this Sunday's final regular season home game we want to remind our fans of the Fan Code of Conduct and encourage them to enjoy the game by showing proper respect to others."

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The NFL has yet to announced any fines or suspensions for the players involved in Sunday's late-game melee.

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