Douglas College has decided to suspend its men’s soccer program for the remainder of the 2026-27 season following a physical altercation that occurred during a match earlier this month. The incident took place at Capilano University on Oct. 4 during a game involving Douglas College Royals players, which resulted in several red cards being issued and the game ending prematurely.
Both Capilano and Douglas are members of the Pacific Western Athletic Association. A video of the altercation was shared on Reddit, showing Royals players engaging with referees and opponents as the game approached the 90-minute mark, leading to punches being thrown and players struggling to disengage.
The cause of the brawl remains unclear, with the game ultimately concluding in a 1-1 draw after Capilano scored an equalizer in the 72nd minute. In response to the incident, Douglas College announced the suspension of its men’s soccer program, including all practices and training sessions, for the rest of the season.
The college emphasized the importance of upholding standards of conduct and ensuring the safety of everyone involved in collegiate sports. In a statement, Douglas College stated that violence, intimidation, and abuse directed at officials, opponents, or spectators have no place in sports.
Capilano University also addressed the incident in its official game recap, mentioning the series of events that led to multiple red cards being issued and the match being called off early due to the escalating tensions.
Furthermore, Pacific Western indicated that it is assessing the repercussions of Douglas College’s decision on the remainder of the season and its impact on student athletes. Despite the suspension, games scheduled between the Capilano Blues and Vancouver Island University Mariners are set to proceed as planned.
Efforts to gather more details from Capilano University and Pacific Western by CBC News are currently underway. Douglas College has refrained from commenting on individuals involved in the incident and has pledged to offer support services to those affected. The college accommodates approximately 25,000 students annually across its campuses in Coquitlam and New Westminster.