Amherst Regional Principal Mark Jackson is investigating claims that Amherst fans taunted and bullied the Holyoke girls soccer team during a varsity match in Amherst Friday night.
“Holyoke School District made an allegation and we’re talking it seriously and investigating it,” Jackson told the Gazette Monday night. “We spent the better part of the day interviewing people and we’ll do the same” Tuesday.”
According to Springfield-based media reports, Holyoke parents and students claimed derogatory statements and chants were made toward the Holyoke players and fans.
Holyoke athletic director Melanie Martin did not return messages Monday night.
Holyoke Public Schools said in a statement: “Obviously, the reports and claims that we have received are concerning and distressing. We have spoken to Amherst officials who have been incredibly responsible and have shared that they are actively investigating these reports.”
Amherst girls soccer coach Lauren Mordocco said Monday that she first learned of what allegedly happened during the game when she arrived for practice on Monday. Mordocco said she was focused on the game, which Amherst won 2-1.
“My girls were well behaved,” Mordocco said. “They did not react to the other team or the crowd. They reacted to the game and played the sport.”
Amherst senior Noah Spiegel was in the fan section for the game.
“There were teachers in front of the fan section,” he said. “They would have heard something, and they didn’t hear a single thing.”