WVU Athletics releases statement regarding incident after soccer game against MU

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WSAZ) – West Virginia University Athletics Director Wren Baker on Thursday issued a statement concerning an incident after the Marshall/WVU soccer game on Wednesday night in Morgantown.

Right after Marshall’s Joao Alves hit the penalty kick to give Marshall the 3-2 win, the Herd players went over to celebrate with Marshall fans. Amid the celebration, a West Virginia fan appears to make contact with at least one of the Marshall players.

The game was broadcast on ESPN+, which captured the incident.

Following is the full statement from Baker:

“At WVU’s Sun Belt Conference Tournament semifinal men’s soccer game last night against Marshall, an incident involving a fan and a Marshall player occurred immediately after the game. Fans coming in contact with visiting student-athletes is unacceptable, and I want to apologize to Marshal, its men’s soccer program and its fans. The game was ultra-competitive between two excellent soccer teams and on behalf of WVU, I want to congratulate Marshall’s team on the victory and wish them continued success in the postseason.”

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