High School Game Turns Into All-Out Brawl in Pennsylvania, Arrests Follow [WATCH]

A high school basketball playoff game in Pennsylvania was cut short Friday night after a violent brawl broke out among fans, leading to multiple arrests and an ongoing police investigation.

The first-round 5A playoff matchup between Uniontown and Meadville ended abruptly with 3:12 remaining in the fourth quarter as chaos erupted in the stands.

Meadville police confirmed Monday that they anticipate filing charges against several individuals involved in the fight, including both fans and players.

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“We expect to be charging several fans and players. Most likely with disorderly conduct,” Meadville police told TMZ on Monday.

The incident, which was caught on video and circulated on social media, showed multiple altercations breaking out in the stands, forcing game officials to call off the contest.

As of Monday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) had not yet posted an official winner for the game.

PIAA Executive Director Robert Lombardi acknowledged the incident and stated that the organization had requested formal reports from both schools involved.

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“I have contacted the schools involved and have requested a report from them by Monday AM regarding last night’s incident,” Lombardi told the Erie Times-News. “I have no further comment until I receive their reports.”

The fight reportedly started after Uniontown was called for a technical foul late in the fourth quarter.

Initially, confusion arose among the announcers as they tried to determine which player had been assessed the foul.

Shortly after, tensions in the stands escalated.

Spectators behind the Meadville bench could be seen engaging in heated exchanges before physical altercations broke out.

“Uniontown fans are going after the officials here a little bit,” one of the game’s announcers said on a video posted to the USH Talk YouTube channel.

“You might have some ejections here. Some of the Uniontown fans getting awfully hot.”

Ugly ending to the Meadville game with several fans taken off in cuffs. Game called with 3:12 left. Bulldogs win 63-55 pic.twitter.com/zHjDwLQ3EY

— Tom Reisenweber (@ETNreisenweber) March 8, 2025

As the altercation intensified, a man in a white jersey was seen throwing punches before being tackled to the ground by another man in a green long-sleeved shirt.

Several others then joined in, restraining individuals involved in the scuffle.

During the fight, screaming could be heard in the gym, and video footage showed some fans walking onto the court.

Uniontown players appeared to take defensive stances as the situation spiraled further out of control.

“And now you got players getting into it. Uh oh. This is getting really bad. This is getting really bad on both sides,” the announcer said.

“You got people still coming loose here on the court. What is going on? What is wrong with these people? … You got players all around trying to fight and this is absolutely crazy. Honestly, both of these schools, you cannot have this going on.”

Police officers eventually stepped in, removing individuals from the gym.

Footage showed a man in a blue shirt being led out in handcuffs, while another handcuffed individual was escorted across the gym.

School officials worked to clear the gym, instructing fans to leave through separate exits.

Cheerleaders also exited as authorities attempted to restore order.

Meadville head coach Mark McElhinny commented on the incident, saying his team was handling the situation well, though possible suspensions could be issued.

“The kids are doing fine,” McElhinny told the Erie Times-News.

“I think they are optimistic, but it sounds like we’ll have to wait until Monday to find out if we move on.”

Crawford Central School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer A. Galdon issued a statement condemning the actions of those involved in the fight.

“Due to an unfortunate incident that occurred during last night’s boys’ basketball game, the game was brought to an early conclusion,” Galdon said in a statement to Erie News Now.

“While we regret this unexpected ending, the safety and well-being of players, fans, and staff remain our top priority.”

“The district is disappointed by this unfortunate outcome, as the game was meant to be a showcase of competition and sportsmanship.

We remind all fans that respectful and sportsmanlike behavior is expected at all times.”

As of Monday, the PIAA had not confirmed whether Meadville would advance in the playoffs.

The winner of the game is scheduled to face Hershey on Tuesday, pending the results of the investigation.

With police reviewing footage and expecting to file charges, further disciplinary action may also be taken against those involved in the altercation.

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