Lynch’s Brawl Reaction Draws Attention After 49ers-Raiders Game

San Francisco faced the Raiders at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on November 8, with the teams’ long-running rivalry spilling into the stands. Fans of both sides were involved in fistfights and brawls during the game and afterward.

San Francisco general manager John Lynch addressed the violence, saying he had been pleased with how things were going until the fourth quarter. He called the scenes afterward a shame, but also said they came with the territory. Lynch described the 49ers’ result as a good, hard-fought win and noted the large number of Raiders supporters in the stadium.

More than 100 fights were reported at the stadium. Videos of the clashes showed fans with blood and bruises. The violence was also said to have reached Las Vegas, including Fremont Street, from the Santa Clara area.

Lynch’s remark about the violence coming with the territory drew attention. His meaning was unclear, though he may have been referring to the intensity of the rivalry between San Francisco and the Raiders, whose team now plays in Las Vegas.