The University of Delaware (UD) suspended its rugby team for five years for its involvement in an out-of-control party incited by film crew "I'm Shmacked," the Wilmington News Journal reported.

The party took place Sept. 9 at a house where many rugby team members live before it spilled into the streets of Newark, Del. The party escalated nearly to a riot and required police presence from several departments.

"I'm Shmacked" is a film crew that visits college campuses, throws a massive party and documents it to be displayed online.

The team, consisting of more than 70 members, was forbid from activities for five years by the UD Office of Student Conduct. The team is appealing the suspension, which some said was too harsh and labeled "the death penalty."

Thomas Abram, UD sophomore, told the Review student newspaper, that the rugby team did not have anything to do with the party becoming so out of hand.

"I was shocked myself," Abram said. "[The incidents] were not caused by the rugby team - it was caused by individuals acting on their own."

When police arrived on the scene of the party, a house formally known as "the rugby house," they found at least a thousand people spilling out onto the streets and into other people's yards.

The house is officially rented by four members of the rugby team, but rugby head coach Bjorn Haglid said the whole team was unfairly punished for the actions of few.

"I believe it was unduly given, and the facts paint an entirely different story," Haglid said. "They were too quick to blame the easy stereotype rugby team. Guilty until proven innocent."

Abrams claimed the "I'm Shmacked" crew paid the renters of the house to throw the party. The party documentarians did charge $20 per person to attend the party, but All AxcessU was sure to distance itself from any potential fallout.

"No events at a venue was scheduled, named, or announced," the All Axcess account tweeted Sept. 10, a day after the event. "@ImShmacked Fall Tour events are all held in accordance with local venues & managed in unison by AllAxcess & the determined venue."

Ian Combs, president of the rugby team, issued a formal appeal Wednesday, to which the school must reply by Friday.