What began as a charity hockey match between New York City police officers and firefighters later erupted into bedlam as the benches cleared and punches were exchanged on the ice in Long Island on Sunday.
Based on videos posted on several social media outlets, the brawling began during the second period of a charity exhibition at the Nassau Coliseum.
The referees struggled to bring order as fans screamed profanity-laced chants. What exactly sparked the confrontation remains uncertain and both departments refused to comment on the episode following the melee.
After calm was restored the NYDP team pulled off an 8-5 win, their first victory after enduring five straight losses to the FDNY squad.
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