The Tiverton School Department has taken disciplinary action against spectators who allegedly used abusive, racial and inappropriate language during a basketball matchup between host Tiverton and visiting Shea last Thursday, Feb. 2.

Shea students, athletes and some parents complained that Tiverton students and parents used racially charged language during the matchup, directing it at Shea players on the court.

Following the incident, both Tiverton and Shea conducted investigations, and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) facilitated a meeting between representatives of both schools Monday.

Tiverton High School administrators said a spectator who is not a Tiverton student was removed from the game for directing racial and derogatory comments at a Shea player. In addition, several additional spectators who also used abusive language were disciplined by the school.

In a press release issued Monday by the interscholastic league, officials wrote that "Tiverton High School acknowledges that the behavior of these spectators was highly inappropriate and unacceptable in a high school athletic environment. Its administration expresses its sincere apologies to the Shea High School boys' basketball team, school and community."

Despite the incident, the RIIL noted that "the players and coaches of both teams should be applauded for demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout the contest."