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By Sekhon and Lambert
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Nov. 25, 2003 |
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Parents and security personnel are concerned about the safety of players and fans at sporting events, following an Oct. 24 fight after a varsity football game.
You need more than two policemen at the game, said Abraham Speech, grandfather of senior defensive back Michael Speech. You have to be ready.
Security guard Sebastian Dela Conception agreed. Budget cuts have affected our security. There are six to seven guards at other schools.
Two Galileo High School students allegedly started a fight with security guard Carl Seumanutafa after Lowell defeated Galileo 13-2 in the Oct. 24 home game, according to San Francisco Police Department officer John Scully.
The two suspects were allegedly angry with sophomore JV center Kent Dea because of what they considered to be an unnecessary tackle during the JV football game the previous day, Scullys police report stated.
Galileo assistant principal Anthony Hailey confirmed those details of the altercation and added that the actions of those involved in the fight are not representative of the Galileo student body.
After approximately 40-50 Galileo fans most of whom came to the game when there were about two minutes leftstarted surrounding the JV player, Seumanutafa approached the two suspects and attempted to stop them from starting a fight, according to Scully.
A group of Galileo students approached the field and surrounded both Seumanutafa and the alleged suspects.
I tried to prevent them from assaulting Dea, Seumanutafa said. I didnt start anything. I took one of the suspects down and told him to stop cursing and relax. He had my shirt, and I asked him to let go so I could get off of him.
Dela Conception headed towards the scene to help Seumanutafa when the crowd started to become large and more hostile, according to Scullys police report.
They were swinging at Seumanutafa, Dela Concepcion said. I tried to break them up. It was hectic, with people screaming and shouting obscenities.
Scully, Chow, security and administrators from both high schools then dispersed the crowd.
You cant predict when incidents like this will happen, Scully said. All you can do is make sure that security officers, staff members, and a police presence is there. I feel that the school staff did an excellent job.
The Galileo students involved have not received punishment of any sort, possibly because no injuries were reported after the Oct. 24 incident, according to Scully, Seumanutafa and Dela Concepcion. |
