A Maine Maritime Academy alumnus could be facing criminal charges for accidentally shooting a referee with a cannon during a MMA football game.
The incident took place Saturday, September 21, during MMA’s homecoming game against rival Massachusetts Maritime.
It’s a MMA tradition to fire off a cannon with a blank each time the Mariner’s score a touchdown. But according to Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, a fan at the game, a Maine Maritime alumni, had brought his own cannon which was filled with “black powder” and a substance described as a “wad,” according to a report by News Center Maine.
Video of the incident shows the cannon blast and the referee fall to the ground at the lower right-hand side of the screen:
The referee was treated at a hospital for non-life injuries.
The incident is now under investigation and the findings will be shared with local district attorney’s office for possible criminal charges.
The News Center Maine reports that the academy will no longer allow cannons on campus or to events.
By the way, the Mariners lost to the Bucs 42-21.