Tuesday night’s League Cup game between Nashville SC and Club America descended into chaos as spectators stormed the pitch at Geodis Park. In the end, 18 people were arrested, including children.
At the end of the game, fans of the Mexican team in particular jumped onto the field thinking their favorite had just won on penalties. Jack Maher’s shot was blocked but the Club America goalie left his line too quickly, prompting the referee to give the Nashville player a second chance.
• Also read: Football: Lionel Messi is accused of cheating
• Also read: An MLS offer for Neymar
Dazzled by their announced triumph, fans ran onto the field to take photos with the players or just have fun dodging the security guards. An agent was also injured and remained on the ground.
The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department (MNPD) confirmed to the Tennessean that 11 adults and seven children were arrested and charged with trespassing.
“The 18 were mostly, if not all, visiting Club America fans,” officials said in a statement. It is Geodis Park’s policy to seek assistance from the MNPD when fans enter the field during a game.
The youngest person to enter the field was only 13 years old.
Things not seen on TV during the utter chaos of a game.
The team dodged numerous objects thrown by Club America fans.
A security guard waits for a fan to rush onto the field to take a selfie before escorting them off the field. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/kxQkEg7mSV
— Jen McCarty (@JenZMcCarty) August 9, 2023
The Tennessee team eventually won thanks to a crucial goal from former CF Montreal Daniel Lovitz. However, fans littered the lawn with rubbish in protest.
Nashville SC meets Minnesota United in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup on Friday.