Super Bowl: Looting and rioting rock victorious Philadelphia
- Published
Incidents of rioting and looting have taken place in the US city of Philadelphia as fans celebrated a historic Super Bowl win on Sunday.
Social media pictures showed scenes of chaos as tens of thousands of Philadelphia Eagles' fans rejoiced.
A police officer is among those reported injured. Cars and shopfronts have been damaged and looted.
But despite the unruly crowds after the game, police officials say the celebrations were mostly peaceful.
Only three people were arrested, according to Ajeenah Amir, a spokesman for Mayor Jim Kenney.
"Tens of thousands came out and celebrated this amazing victory, and but for a handful of bad actors the celebration was peaceful and jubilant," Ms Amir said in a statement to BBC News, adding that the city is thankful to law enforcement.
The city has announced that a celebration parade will be held on Thursday.
Almost 10,000 tuned into a public police radio, with #phillypolicescanner trending nationally on Twitter.
You’ve got to check out #phillypolicescanner it’s crazy. They’ve already got Philly PD, PA State Police, SWAT, Riot, and Marine units. Requesting Homeland Security and National Guard. Oh, and they arrested an off-duty cop
— Chris 🌼 (@chris_pa28181) February 5, 2018
But authorities said they properly prepared for the Eagles's 41-33 win against the New England Patriots, despite the chaotic celebrations.
As the game was ending, one officer was heard saying on the police scanner: "It's endless, chief. Endless."
The gates of Philadelphia’s City Hall. Yes, that’s a keg on its way up. pic.twitter.com/JSANa3Wodw
— Fabiola Cineas (@FabiolaCineas) February 5, 2018
People were reported brawling, flipping over cars, scaling the City Hall gates, mounting garbage trucks, and attempting to tear down traffic lights and lamp posts.
Some fans jumped into crowds from a height, but not without injury, as one police officer reported, saying: "This is extremely horrible. We need rescue here, we got someone horribly injured from a fall."
Unconfirmed reports of an explosion in the 9th district have been attributed to a power line, while others suggested that it may have been a firework set off in celebration.
#SuperBowl #SuperBowlLII #SBLII #SB52 #phillypolicescanner #phillyriot
— Pat (@Chopomatic) February 5, 2018
RT: @barstoolsports
What would’ve happened if they lost? pic.twitter.com/u3eqfvqKNK
Dude jumps into the crowd from the light pole on broad and chestnut #flyeaglesfly #Philadelphia #SUPERBOWLCHAMPS pic.twitter.com/xZa4MFCkko
— JJ ONeill (@FieldOf_dreams9) February 5, 2018
Looting and destruction was reported at multiple convenience shops, as well as at the department store chain Macy's.
There were also unconfirmed reports of two police horses being stolen and recovered.
Video was posted online of a man in an Eagles jersey kneeling on the ground and appearing to eat horse excrement, as appalled fans cheer him on.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Zoo tweeted that despite rumours no ostrich rustlers had broken into the zoo last night.
We have heard the rumors regarding an alleged ostrich ride through the city last night. Although this would be quite a feat, please rest assured no ostriches call the Zoo home and all our feathered friends are safe. Go birds! #FlyEaglesFly
— Philadelphia Zoo (@phillyzoo) February 5, 2018
Police officers were also seen hugging, and celebrating in the streets.
.@PhillyPolice and @TU_Police react to @Eagles touchdown, then police supervisor order cops to Broad Street pic.twitter.com/hnZKPsi2cb
— Robert Moran (@RobertMoran215) February 5, 2018
VIDEO: Rioters in #Philadelphia smashing the window of a Macy’s store. #philly #phillyriots #phillyriot #phillypolicescanner pic.twitter.com/nD8bZ2siXO
— KMV (@ItalianInBoston) February 5, 2018
One woman filmed the Ritz Carlton Hotel's awning collapsing under the weight of dozens of revellers, some of whom were previously seen jumping off it. The incident was also reported by NBC's local TV station.
Warning: The video below contains swearing
There was also some backlash on social media, with many criticising some Eagles fans' inability to celebrate responsibly.
Congrats to Philly on winning the Superbowl and turning your city into a smoldering crater #phillypolicescanner
— Amber Zanon (@bamberton) February 5, 2018
If you’re part of these riots, you’re making your city and your team look incredibly bad.
— Rissa Rambles ⭐️✨ (@RissaRambles) February 5, 2018
The team is expected to mark the historic win with a visit to the White House, but some players have indicated they do not plan on attending.
Safety Malcolm Jenkins told CNN on Monday he did not "anticipate attending that" while wide receiver Torrey Smith said last week he would skip the tradition if his team won.
President Trump has previously criticised NFL players for kneeling in political protest during the US national anthem, which is played before American football games.
He said players who fail to stand during the anthem should be fired or suspended.
No players knelt or sat during the anthem on Sunday.
- Published
- 5 February 2018