Hundreds of angry University of Kentucky fans caused an alcohol-fueled uproar in the streets of Lexington Saturday night, after a nail-biting loss against University of Wisconsin dashed the Wildcats' hopes for this year's NCAA title.
Around 1,500 stadium-goers swarmed the residential area near Kentucky's campus, where couches, trash and clothes were torched, fights broke out, and bottles were smashed, according to Lexington police. Sgt. Scott May told Mashable on Sunday that 31 people were arrested for alcohol intoxication or disorderly conduct.
Officers dressed in riot gear doused fires and broke up fights, and May said the scene had cleared up by around 2:30 a.m., local time. Police also used street sweepers to disperse crowds, and deployed pepper balls during at least one altercation. May added that the Lexington Police Department was thankful there were no serious injuries or major property damage.
More fires starting here on State Street and more pour into the street. #BBN pic.twitter.com/i1Au6W9eiX— Paris Lewbel (@PLewbel) April 5, 2015
Throngs of fans led expletive-laden chants directed at Wisconsin, as they milled about on State Street, which is known as the central thoroughfare for post-game celebrations, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. City officials characterized the crowd as "rowdy and at times hostile" on the City of Lexington's Twitter page, according to the newspaper.
The Herald-Leader reported that at least three people were taken to the hospital, although May said the only hospital visits he was aware of were alcohol-related.
Street Sweepers now taking over State Street after a long night of post-game madness. pic.twitter.com/p8XH37YBt9— Paris Lewbel (@PLewbel) April 5, 2015
Wisconsin toppled Kentucky in a 71-64 upset victory in the NCAA semifinal Saturday night, putting an end to the Wildcats' undefeated season. Kentucky was two wins short of becoming the first undefeated team in college basketball in nearly four decades.
May said the police department had expected a much larger crowd if Kentucky had won the game. "There wasn't much to celebrate," he said.
@Mr_Rutherford yes. somebody pay for this to be on a billboard at city limits with words "Welcome to Lexington." pic.twitter.com/gyA6JYX4uj— Mark Nagi (@MarkNagi) April 5, 2015
What's the overall commonality here? Sports fans whitewashed by the media #Kentuckyriots #Lexington #IdiotOlympics pic.twitter.com/S79IQAeb8j— Bad Opinion Guy (@truth4ever87) April 5, 2015
Additional reporting by The Associated Press