Connellsville Students Accused Of Yelling Racial Slurs During Game Against Penn Hills

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PENN HILLS (KDKA) -- All games between Penn Hills and Connellsville school districts have been canceled after reports of a controversial incident during a game between the two high schools.

The cancellations come after reports of racial slurs aimed at Penn Hills players during a varsity boys' soccer game.

Last Thursday on the Connellsville field, the Penn Hills boys' soccer team claims several black players on their team were victims of racial hatred from the Connellsville team, the fans and the students.

"It was late day last Friday that we received here in the office an email, a letter of concern from the athletic administrator at Penn Hills giving an indication that there were allegations made about inappropriate behavior," WPIAL executive director Tim O'Malley said.

That information was shared with Connellsville.

Neither school's superintendent would appear on camera, but they did release statements.

Penn Hills wrote in part: "Penn Hills School District athletic teams will not travel to Connellsville or host Connellsville teams until the September 6, 2018 Boys' Soccer incident is investigated and resolved by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League. What was reported is so disturbing that it warrants our position and the direct involvement of WPIAL."

Connellsville wrote: "The Connellsville Area School District looks forward to any findings of the WPIAL and seeks opportunities to improve the educational experience of not only Connellsville area school district student athletes but also the experience of our brother and sister schools at the WPIAL/PIAA."

"There is video of the game. Whether that is going to show much or not, we are not certain," O'Malley said.

O'Malley says the intent is to make up the games before the end of the season.

All information will be presented at the WPIAL board meeting next Monday. If discipline is deemed necessary, appropriate punishment will be determined by each school district.