UPDATE: An explosive postgame brawl erupted at a high school soccer match in Jersey City on Saturday night, October 14, 2023, leading to shocking new allegations against St. Benedict’s Prep star forward Amadou Hann. A photojournalist, Tom Horak, claims he was grabbed by the throat during the chaos, which has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
The incident unfolded after a game between St. Benedict’s Prep and St. Peter’s Prep. Video footage posted by NJ Advanced Media shows Hann charging towards opposing players following the handshake line, igniting a scene of mayhem. Teammates struggled to restrain him as the situation escalated, with punches thrown on both sides amidst coaches and adults attempting to regain control of the field.
Witness accounts reveal that as Hann was being removed from the fray, he allegedly sprinted toward Horak, demanding the deletion of photos he captured of the brawl. In a startling turn of events, Hann reportedly grabbed Horak by the throat, leading to visible abrasions on the photographer’s neck. Horak declined medical assistance on-site and did not press charges, although he described the incident as “scary.”
“What he did is definitely not okay,” Horak stated. “He charged and he kind of grabbed me by the throat. My whole mindset was: Get out. Relax. Trying to calm down the situation.”
In response to the incident, St. Benedict’s Prep announced an internal investigation to thoroughly review the events. Spokesperson Larry Geraghty emphasized the school’s commitment to addressing the matter with “utmost priority and care.” The institution is gathering eyewitness accounts, video footage, and statements from all parties involved.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association is also aware of the situation, with spokesperson Mike Cherenson confirming that they are collecting information. “We take these matters very seriously,” he remarked.
The St. Peter’s Prep athletic director, Rich Hansen, labeled the brawl as “high school nonsense,” but the implications of such behavior are far-reaching, raising questions about sportsmanship and conduct in youth athletics.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As schools and athletic associations respond to the fallout, the community is left grappling with the consequences of this shocking altercation. What actions will be taken against those involved? How will schools ensure safety during sporting events going forward?
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.