It is not uncommon for fans of the National Football League (NFL) to hear in the media about fans fighting amongst each other for various issues in the news. This could be about the team they are cheering for or against, seating at the game or even about lines to concession stands. This brings frightening moments to sports games where everyone in the stands is there for the same reason: come together and watch a game they love.
On Sept. 17, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Foxborough, Mass. to take on the New England Patriots. The game was nationally televised for everyone across the United States on NBC. It was a close game that resulted in a 24-17 Dolphins victory. The play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill was put on full display in their victory, but that was not the biggest headline from Gillette Stadium that day.
In section 308-309 of Gillette Stadium, Dale Mooney, a 53-year-old from Newmarket, N.H. and 30-year season ticket holder for the Patriots, died shortly after an altercation with rival Dolphins fans in the stands. The physical altercation onlookers described as, “a violent confrontation”, Mooney reportedly grabbed a fan after hearing multiple obscene threats and comments towards him. He tussled with the group of Dolphins fans for a minute before another fan walked up behind him and punched him in the face. Mooney became unresponsive following the fight. First responders to the scene included fans, event security, police, fire and medical personnel performing CPR on Mooney. He was transported via ambulance to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Mass., where he would be pronounced dead shortly after the conclusion of the game.
While an investigation is still ongoing about how Mooney passed— whether it was from blunt force trauma or another medical issue— this does not ignore the fact that a fan died at a family event. Sporting events are meant to be gatherings of people from multiple different cultures, genders, religions, races and more. It is disgraceful that fights amongst fans have become an annual occurrence at games in the NFL and other leagues as well.
Fans also seem to not realize that there are kids at these sporting events and parents have to defend their children from these altercations. Kids often are inspired by the players’ performance on the field to further their athletic hopes to reach the next level of sport. Fighting is not the answer to all of the problems we may have as fans who have disagreements about certain teams or “hot takes”. If a problem arises at a game we should be able to solve them quickly and sufficiently, not letting fighting and creating a scene.
Furthermore, stadium security needs to increase their level of attention to fans in the stands. Prior to the game starting, there is a phone number displayed on the video board where fans can text a keyword to report an issue. This, however, is simply not enough. Fans have to do their part, as well as security and event staff too. It is sickening to hear about “that fight” people talk about on social media that went down at a said game where someone was possibly injured. Fan safety needs to be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks as the NFL season progresses and other sports leagues start very soon.
