Police Use Pepper Spray to Break Up Brawl Between Michigan, Ohio State Fans
Ann Arbor, MI — May 16, 2025
What began as a spirited rivalry gathering turned into a chaotic scene Thursday night when a fight broke out between Michigan and Ohio State fans near downtown Ann Arbor, prompting police to intervene with pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
According to the Ann Arbor Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. outside a local sports bar on South University Avenue, where fans from both schools had gathered for a watch party and celebration following a major football recruiting commitment earlier in the day.
Tensions reportedly began to escalate when a group of Michigan fans started chanting “Go Blue” in response to Ohio State supporters booing loudly at news coverage of five-star linebacker Darius Golden’s commitment to the Wolverines. Golden had been heavily recruited by both schools but ultimately chose Michigan — a decision that clearly didn’t sit well with some Buckeye faithful.
Witnesses described the scene as “intense” and “out of control” as the verbal sparring quickly turned physical.
“It went from chants to shoving, and then suddenly people were swinging,” said Jake Moore, a Michigan senior who was at the bar when the fight broke out. “Next thing I know, drinks were flying, tables were getting knocked over, and everyone was yelling.”
Police officers arrived on the scene within minutes and attempted to break up the fight, which had spilled onto the sidewalk and into the street. As more people joined the fray, officers issued multiple warnings to disperse before deploying pepper spray to control the crowd.
Video captured by bystanders shows several individuals coughing and stumbling as officers work to separate and detain participants. At least four people were arrested for disorderly conduct, and two were treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police. No serious injuries have been reported.
“The use of pepper spray was necessary to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety,” Ann Arbor Police Chief Erica Williams said in a statement Friday morning. “We urge all fans to remember that while rivalries can be passionate, violence is never acceptable.”
The incident underscores the intensity of the Michigan–Ohio State rivalry, one of the fiercest in college sports. Emotions have been running especially high this offseason after Michigan’s third consecutive win over the Buckeyes and the Wolverines’ recent recruiting surge — capped off by Golden’s commitment earlier in the day.
Social media was flooded with reactions to the altercation, with some fans condemning the violence and others blaming the bar for not doing enough to control the atmosphere. Others pointed to long-simmering animosity between the two fanbases.
“This kind of behavior is embarrassing for both sides,” one commenter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Rivalries are supposed to be fun — not end in people getting arrested or sprayed.”
The bar where the altercation occurred released a statement Friday morning, saying, “We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement and reviewing our security protocols to ensure something like this does not happen again. The safety of our patrons is our top priority.”
University officials from both schools also weighed in, urging fans to exercise restraint and sportsmanship.
“We understand that our rivalry with Michigan is deeply rooted in tradition and competition,” said Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith. “But we do not condone violence in any form. Let’s keep the rivalry where it belongs — on the field.”
Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel echoed those sentiments: “It’s unfortunate that the excitement surrounding a positive moment for our program was marred by this kind of behavior. We want all fans to celebrate responsibly and with respect.”
Despite the chaotic evening, authorities say they do not expect charges beyond misdemeanors for those involved. However, they have pledged to increase patrols near campus-area bars ahead of major sporting events to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
As for Darius Golden, the 18-year-old recruit at the center of the emotional rollercoaster, he released a brief statement on his social media late Thursday: “I appreciate the love from Michigan fans. Let’s keep it peaceful and focused on football.”
With the 2025 season still months away, this latest clash shows that for Michigan and Ohio State, the rivalry isn’t just a game — it’s a way of life. But police and university officials hope it doesn’t have to come at the cost of public safety.
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