Notre Dame Fans Swarm Field After Defeating Clemson, Causing COVID-19 Concerns

Saturday night, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Clemson Tigers in a double-overtime [...]

By John Newby

Saturday night, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Clemson Tigers in a double-overtime thriller that delayed the start of SNL. Following the victory, thousands of Notre Dame fans rushed the field, gathered together in celebration and prompted critical comments on social media. Notre Dame previously had a COVID-19 outbreak in late September after players gathered for a team dinner. The Fighting Irish had to postpone a game against Wake Forest but did eventually return to action. They returned to action, but the fans were the ones sparking concern about another outbreak.

When photos and videos surfaced on social media, Twitter users went off. They criticized the fans, the football team and the university for the lack of social distancing and masks. Some people said that there would be a massive outbreak that would shut down the football team for the remainder of the season. Others, however, took a different approach. These people compared the football celebration to Joe Biden supporters gathering in large groups around the country to celebrate the 2020 Presidential Election.

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Several people voiced concern and irritation alike after watching the double-overtime thriller between Clemson and Notre Dame. Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James was among this group — although his questions led to arguments on social media. Some people responded by criticizing his political opinions while others specifically asked about the difference between football games and political rallies around the country.

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Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence did not suit up for Saturday's game due to a previous positive coronavirus test. He received negative tests but couldn't play against the Fighting Irish. The reason is that he had to pass other tests that search for long-lasting effects on the heart. He then had to watch thousands of fans rush the field after his team lost.

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There were several reactions to the Notre Dame fans as photos and videos surfaced on social media. Several people said that the country is still in the midst of a pandemic and critized the decision-making. Others mentioned that there were many fans not actually wearing masks while celebrating on the field.

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Saturday's football game was not the only example of crowds gathering in the streets to celebrate while ignoring social distancing guidelines. Thousands also flocked together after news surfaced that Biden was projected to win the 2020 Presidential Election. Many people reacted to the Notre Dame controversy by arguing about whether a football game is less worthy than a political celebration. They asked about the differences between the two types of gatherings.

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Many Twitter users expressed anger on Saturday and Sunday after watching the fans rush the field. They discussed the rising number of coronavirus cases and proclaimed that this game was one reason. Others said that the NCAA needs to severely punish Notre Dame and take away their rights for the remainder of the season.

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When the fans flocked to the field, many people on Twitter expressed disgust. They proclaimed that there will continue to be rising numbers around the country due to "human behavior." Some said that people are others at risk by attending mass gatherings.

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While the majority of people on Twitter were talking about the pandemic, Biden celebration rallies and "irresponsible" football fans, some others took a different approach. They focused more on the reason for the Notre Dame supporters rushing the field. Yes, the Fighting Irish won the game, but they did so while playing a team without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

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