Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urged Eagles fans to celebrate in a somewhat civilized manner if their team emerges victorious on Super Bowl Sunday.
“Please Philadelphia, I implore you, as your mayor, do not climb light poles,” she begged Thursday night, addressing the notoriously rowdy fanbase.
Parker made the entreaty in a press conference in which multiple agencies briefed reporters on how they plan to shore up security Sunday night — and contain the inevitable riot if the Birds take the big prize.
“For your mayor, please, just don’t climb onto anything, OK? That’s our Golden Rule,” Parker added in a tone befitting an exasperated parent.
Her comments came two weeks after the Eagles diehards swarmed the streets after their team’s victory in the NFC Championship.
Fans fired guns into the air, an 18-year-old boy died after falling from a light pole, and three revelers were injured when a woman drove her car into a crowd.
In all, cops issued 31 citations for disorderly conduct and failure to disburse, according to NBC Philadelphia.
“This comes up every time we have an outdoor celebration after our Philly teams win,” Parker said. “We do not want anything to happen to you, your friends, or your family members.”
A riot may break out regardless of the game’s outcome. When the Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 Super Bowl, angry fans lit fireworks, clashed with cops, and climbed up light poles — despite the city having greased them up.
Ahead of the championship game, cops have already erected barriers on sidewalks and streets, and local businesses have boarded up their windows, CBS Philadelphia reported.
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