University of Mississippi fined $350K after fans storm field following win against Georgia
Nov 12, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The University of Mississippi has been issued a hefty fine of $350,000 after fans rushed the field following a win against the University of Georgia this past weekend.
The Southeastern Conference announced that the school will have to pay a $250,000 fine for its second offense of the league's current policy against fans entering the field during a game. The first offense under the current policy was in September 2023, following a University of Mississippi victory against LSU.
Exuberant Ole Miss Fans Storm Field Before Upset Win Against Georgia Is Even Over
An additional fine of $100,000 was issued due to fans rushing the field prior to the end of the game against Georgia.
Mississippi fans bring down the goalpost at the end of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
According to the SEC, the access to competition area policy states that “institutions shall limit access to competition areas to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly credentialed or authorized individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest may spectators enter the competition area.”
A third violation of the policy could result in a $500,000 fine.
No. 16 UM toppled No. 2 Georgia in a 28-10 win in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday. Exhilarated fans rushed the field with only 16 seconds left on the clock, but officials forced the fans off the field to finish the game.
Once the game was officially over, fans once again stormed the field. Fans were also seen climbing on the goalposts, ripping them down, and walking them out of the stadium.
For conference contests, fines for violating the access to competition area policy are paid to the opposing institution.