High school soccer game called off after 'verbal and physical exchanges'

A soccer net on a field in Simcoe County. (CTV News/Ian Duffy)

Several students have been banned from being spectators at school sporting events, and others suspended from school, after verbal and physical exchanges at a high school soccer game.

On Tuesday, Barrie police were called to JC Massie Field in Georgian College after a senior boys soccer game between St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School and St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School turned ugly when spectators, parents and athletes were involved in unruly behaviour.

The game was ultimately cancelled.

While police didn’t lay any charges, the school board says both schools are investigating the incident.

“We expect students, athletes, and spectators to adhere to the same standards that are in place while at school. Aggressive, harassing, disrespectful, threatening or violent behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated,” a letter to the families of the two high schools stated.

The letter also stated that any parents exhibiting poor behaviour could result in “cease and desist and trespass orders from the board.”

It’s unclear how many students were penalized because of the events that unfolded Tuesday, but the schools say the teams will no longer be playing this year.

In an email to CTV News, the school board noted the situation highlights a broader societal issue, adding that instances of aggression and disrespectful behaviour are “rampant.”

The two schools junior teams were permitted to continue with their season, with “very clear instructions” to cancel any matches due to inappropriate behaviour.