Mayors Condemn Candlestick Violence

The 49ers won the game 17-3, but that is not what anyone who attended the game is talking about.

The mayors of San Francisco and Oakland promised prosecution "to the fullest extent of the law" to those who took part in violence during and after Saturday night's Battle of the Bay game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers.

Two men were shot outside the stadium following the game and one man was beaten inside a stadium restroom.

The most seriously injured shooting victim was apparently a Raiders fan. He suffered life threatening injuries after someone shot him several times apparently for wearing a t-shirt that read "F--- the Niners."

The San Jose Mercury News is reporting that at least some of the violence was sparked by rival gangs and not rival fans. The paper reported that a man wearing an Oakland Raiders jersey was arrested on suspicion of shooting the Raider fan who was wearing the t-shirt, adding a dispute between Norteno and Sureno gangs could account for that Raider fan on Raider fan shooting.

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said violence like that will not be tolerated.

"The incidents at Candlestick Park last night after the San Francisco 49ers versus Oakland Raiders game are completely unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Fans come to our stadiums to enjoy an afternoon of football, not to be subjected to intimidation or violence. These games are family events and the types of images we witnessed last night have no place in our arenas, " the two stated in a joint press release.

They said public safety is their top priority, adding they were doing everything they could to make sure fans have a positive and safe experience when attending professional sports in their cities.

The statement said, "suspects are believed to be in custody in regard to the more serious incidents last evening."  That contradicts what San Francisco police have announced publicly. They said Sunday there are no suspects in the shootings and only a suspect description in the bathroom beating.

 People who attended the game said there were also a number of fights inside the stadium during the game.  There was no indication those fights had any direct connection to the attacks outside the stadium.

One of the fist-to-cuffs was posted on YouTube.

49er head coach Jim Harbaugh said he was saddened by the violence on a conference call with  reporters Sunday. "I feel for those people who were injured," Harbaugh told reporters.

 Police are asking anyone with information on either incident to call the tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message "SFPD."
 

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