by Sarah Walsh, staff writer

Most people enjoy sports because they can root for their favorite teams and debate with friends about a game’s outcome.

But over time, sports have become less about sportsmanship and more focused on violence. This year, the Bay Area was affected by gruesome fan fights at major league sporting events.

On Aug 22, a preseason game between the 49ers and Raiders was held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. This turned out not only to be a football game, but a collosseum of chaos

This incident is just one of the many games that have ended in nasty fights amongst fans.

Athletic events are meant for the community. They are a violence-free place to bring your family and friends. The 49ers/Raiders preseason game is a clear example that this is no longer the case.

The game erupted into numerous fights between fans, ending with the hospitalization of two men.

In a video from the game, viewers can see a father protecting his toddler son from the mayhem.

Professional sporting events should be about sportsmanship among the players and fans, not about hope for safety.

In fact, fighting between fans at professional games is having an effect on the lower level leagues .

The chaos at these events is giving the wrong message to lower level sports fans, such as high school and college students. Since the professional game fights go viral on YouTube almost as soon as they happen, it could have an effect on the viewers.

For example, on Sept. 5, there was a fan fight at a football game between the University of Maryland and University of Miami. A routine football game ended up being a melee between fans in the stands.

On Sept. 19, 2007, a high school basketball game at Madison Square Garden erupted into brutal fights between fans. Shots were fired and a riot squad was called to the scene, according to CBS News.

At Cal High, football games are the most popular sporting event to attend. If these games become violent off the field, people might stop coming.

This would cost the school money from lowered attendence. Plus, fights would become a distraction to those who want to watch the game

The recent 49er/Raider preseason game was a clear reminder of the severity fan fights can have.

There is no reason for fights to occur between fans. People need to respect each other’s decisions regarding the teams they root for and leave it at that.