The Go Bowling Military Bowl between East Carolina and NC State took a chaotic turn, ending in an all-out brawl on the field.

ECU sealed their 26-21 victory with a game-clinching interception with less than a minute left. However, tensions flared on the field shortly after, as some pushing and shoving broke out. The commotion appeared to stem from an ECU player snatching the towel of an NC State player.

The pushing and shoving escalated, with players from both sides all over the field. Eight players were ejected for their involvement in the fight.

“We’ve said it a few times, no love lost in the 83 miles that separate these two schools in North Carolina,” ESPN play-by-play man Jay Alter said. “This is a terrible scene at the end of what has been a fantastic bowl game. You hate to see this.”

A bowl game matchup between ECU and NC State ended in a brawl.

© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

While most players appeared unscathed after the dust-up, one official emerged from the chaos bloodied with a noticeable cut on his face. Video showed an ECU player shoving an NC State player from behind, causing a helmet to strike the official and inflict the injury.

“ECU’s #61 should be kicked off the team. He made a choice to run into trouble and whether he intended to assault the ref or not, he did. Such a sad end to a great effort,” one fan said.

The fight did put a damper on what was a solid bowl game. ECU’s Rahjai Harris ripped off an 86-yard run late to help seal the victory for the Pirates. 

ECU and NC State will face off to open next season at Carter-Finley Stadium.