Game closed to public after high school basketball brawl

CLAIRTON, Pa. — Police were at the Clairton High School gymnasium Friday night as they are for any other game.

But parents and guardians had to sign in tonight as soon they walked through the door, a very obvious difference.

The only fans allowed on the bleachers were the players’ parents and guardians.

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“I think it’s still a pretty good atmosphere,” said Clairton athletic director Mike Linnert. “We have a number of people inside who are cheering for both sides.”

Earlier this week, a brawl broke out between members of the Clairton and Monessen basketball teams, and eventually about a hundred people were involved.

So Friday night’s game was closed to the public as a precaution.

“You get caught up in emotions of the game, things like that happen,” said Darius Bradford, father of two Clairton players. “Mixed feelings, but I feel the school and everybody handled it well so I feel confident.”

No arrests have been made, and both the school districts and WPIAL are investigating.

Cox Media Group