University of Missouri fined for fans rushing the field

The Southeastern Conference has fined the University of Missouri for allowing fans to rush the field during the 2013 football season.

On Nov. 30, Mizzou fans rushed Faurot Field after the team’s 28-21 win over Texas A&M.

The SEC announced Friday it is fining the university $5,000 for violating the conference’s “access to competition area” policy. The rule went into effect on Dec. 1, 2004.

The league is also fining Auburn and Ole Miss for similar violations. Auburn will be fined $5,000 while Ole Miss will be fined $25,000 because it was the school’s second offense.

“These were some of the most exciting and intriguing games of the college football season and we understand the exuberance of our fans in the celebration of their schools’ victories, but these incidents pose a significant risk of injury and we must always make the health and safety of our student-athletes and fans the top priority,” said SEC commissioner Mike Slive in a statement.

According to the policy, “access to competition areas shall be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly-credentialed individuals at all times. For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during or after a contest shall spectators be permitted to enter the competition area. It is the responsibility of each member institution to implement procedures to ensure compliance with this policy.”