UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A Sevierville man was arrested Friday night at a football game at Unicoi County High School.

The Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) reported that Brandon Cory Burns, 44, was apprehended for allegedly sparking a brawl and “attacking at least two people after the game.”

Burns was identified by the sheriff’s office as a teacher and the parent of a player for Gatlinburg-Pittman, the visiting team.

Allegedly, Burns crossed the playing field and began to assault a Unicoi County supporter. The UCSO mentioned that when another person attempted to intervene, they too were assaulted by Burns.

Burns was grabbed and pulled from the altercation by a Gatlinburg-Pittman player, the release states.

The sheriff’s office noted Burns was not an official for the sports department.

Burns faced assault charges and was subsequently released on a $2,000 bond. He has a court appearance scheduled in Unicoi County General Sessions Court on September 15.

The sheriff’s office highlighted, “Emotions run high during sporting events and can sometimes lead to violence, especially when game calls by officials are contentious. These scenarios can spin out of control in an instant.”

Gatlinburg-Pittman ultimately won Friday’s matchup 21-20.

Unicoi County Chief Deputy Jonathan “Frank” Rogers stated Burns was arrested to prevent further violence at future events.

Sheriff Rogers emphasized in the release, “The arrest was necessary to establish that violence or fighting at sports events is unacceptable. Our policy is to arrest the person who instigates the fight. Here, deputies found probable cause to believe that Mr. Burns started the altercation, leading to his arrest.”

Sevier County Schools informed News Channel 11 that Burns, an employee of the school system working in a different district capacity, was suspended and banned from attending any sporting events. Though he wasn’t representing the school when the incident occurred, disciplinary actions were taken.

The school system’s entire statement can be read below:

“Administrators from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School were on-site for Friday night’s game at Unicoi County and assisted officials there in maintaining order following an altercation among fans. No students or staff members from either side were involved in the incident, and as such, no charges were levelled at any GPHS coaches or teachers. One Gatlinburg fan, however, was charged based on the altercation. District officials were made aware that evening that this individual, Mr. Brandon Burns, is a Sevier County Schools employee elsewhere in the district.  While Mr. Burns was not participating Friday evening in any capacity as a system employee, his actions were nevertheless cause for concern, and district administrators investigated and levied a suspension from work and ban from sporting events on Burns in a meeting on Monday. The Sevier County School System expects good sportsmanship of all of its staff members, parents, players, and students, and we are deeply grateful for the actions of administrators in Unicoi County Schools for their swift intervention and gracious assistance in this situation.”

Sevier County School System