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NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Police Department says a melee that erupted at a charity football game between police and firefighters just shows that football is a competitive sport.
Video of the aftermath of Sunday's game at Coney Island shows dozens of players brawling and yelling curses. Blood can be seen dripping down the face of one firefighter.
The NYPD said in a statement Tuesday that football "is a competitive sport whether it's the NFL Super Bowl or the annual NYPD-FDNY challenge."
The Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The departments have a history of brawling at charity sports events. Multiple fights broke out at a 2014 hockey game between the departments at the former Nassau Coliseum on Long Island.
The Police Department won Sunday's game 29-13.
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