App State Admonishes Fans for Berating Marshall Team

Appalachian State University admonished its fans for how they behaved toward Marshall players following last week’s game.

According to the Watauga Democrat, video circulated on social media of Appalachian State fans berating Marshall players in the wake of Appalachian State’s 31-30 home win on Sept. 23.

“A video of App State football fans displaying unsportsmanlike conduct has been brought to the attention of App State Athletics,” the Appalachian State athletic department tweeted Sept. 24. “We believe in sportsmanship and collegiality, and do not condone these actions. We appreciate the vast majority of (App State) fans who have created a terrific atmosphere at the last two home football games.

“We appreciate the vast majority of App State fans who have created a terrific atmosphere at the last two home football games.”

The video, which was posted by Emily Van Buskirk, showed Appalachian State fans leaning over a railing to yell and gesture expletives as Marshall players walked through the tunnel toward the visiting locker room at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, N.C.

The Watauga Democrat reported that Appalachian State senior associate athletic director for strategic communications Joey Jones released a statement saying that, “We continuously review the best practices for visiting team entrance and exit and fan proximity, and are enhancing our fan education program to encourage a positive game experience for everyone who comes to Kidd Brewer Stadium. Any students found to be in violation of the university’s Code of Student Conduct are subject to disciplinary action.”