Police were called to a university rugby game this week, as scenes got very ugly between the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton.
A mass brawl broke out during their sports day after flares were thrown at the “posh boy” Sussex students. Two people were taken to A&E, while another was arrested for brandishing a knife.
Reportedly the brawl started after Sussex students chanted “We get AABs, you get STDs,” while others were heard saying, “Your dad works for my dad.”
“It was really scary. The mood was hostile even before the match and then started to erupt after kick-off,” said Charlotte Eaton, part of the Sussex women’s rugby team.
“It became so bad it just spilled over onto the pitch and it all had to be cancelled. Some students were injured, people were lying around with bloody faces. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Both universities have since commented on the situation. Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex, and Debra Humphris, vice-chancellor of the University of Brighton, said in a joint statement, “The scenes witnessed at the annual Varsity sports day were shocking and disgraceful.
“A full investigation has been launched into events and any students identified as having participated in the disorder will face serious consequences under our codes of discipline.
“We unreservedly condemn the behaviour. The future of fixtures will be under review as part of our wider investigation.”