UPDATED 2:04 P.M.
PEORIA, Ill. — There’s been a lot of talk since a fight cleared the stands at Peoria Stadium Friday night, during Peoria High’s first game of the season with Metamora.
Metamora ended up forfeiting the game, rather than playing out the rest of it Saturday with Peoria High.
Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat tells WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, four Peoria High students have been identified as being involved in the incident, and action has been taken.
“We have talked a lot about what gone on between Friday and all of the weekend, and we’ll be briefed again today (Monday), in terms what’s going to happen as we proceed. Of course, there are a variety of thoughts and ideas…people shouldn’t be penalized, you know those sorts of things,” Kherat says.
No decision has been made yet regarding spectators in the stands at upcoming PPS games. But, Kherat says she is proud of the way staff and officers handled the incident Friday night.
Kherat says some safeguards have been brought up.
“We talked about, just like the (Peoria) Civic Center, some ideas…no bags for example, maybe two individuals (per athlete),” Kherat says.
Kherat attended the Peoria Manual football game on Saturday, saying everything went smoothly. There were no problems whatsoever.
“But, the team and I will be briefed, we’ll talk about there’s usually a pass list, if you’re suspended, you can not attend (games) anyway, normal protocol,” Kherat says.
Peoria Police, meanwhile, are now saying they’re continuing to investigate the fight itself, and say anyone with information to provide should call police, Crime Stoppers, or Tip411.
“Our high school student athletes deserve the opportunity to have their sporting events in peace and showcase their skills. We will not tolerate anyone wanting to cause problems at what should be a family fun event. We will arrest all those who want to cause havoc and disorder.” — Eric Echevarria, Peoria Police Chief, in a news release
