Ferndale homecoming game postponed following fight, social media threats

FERNDALE — Ferndale High School’s homecoming football game came to an abrupt end when the game was postponed due to social media threats and an altercation in the stands.

On Friday, Sept. 27, during Ferndale High’s homecoming game against Avondale High School, the game was called off with Avondale leading 14-7.

According to Ferndale Public Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler, the game was postponed after school staff and law enforcement were made aware of threats that were made on social media relating to potential violence.

“We are aware that information and speculation circulating on social media, both from parents and students have become a cause for concern,” she said in a prepared statement.

In addition to these threats, during the game there was an altercation between two individuals.

“Our initial report described this as an “incident”, as we worked with law enforcement to identify those involved and the circumstances,” Hibbler stated. “The altercation was quickly controlled by safety officials. An altercation and removal of individuals alone, typically would not cause for the postponement of a game, however, when coupled with the social media threats, and the fear from circulating rumors, our decision was clear to postpone and evacuate out of an abundance of caution. We were later informed that there were no weapons, or actual physical threat identified in or around the stadium.”

Ferndale police said in a Facebook post that no threat was identified and everyone was able to safely leave the game. Chief Dennis Emmi said the incident is under investigation.

“It’s important to say that nobody was injured when we have no evidence of any serious crime going on inside the stadium,” he said. “I think that a combination of a little bit of overreacting and potentially some type of threat or altercation, it kind of all came together and I think it just spooked the student body. Just like we stated before, out of abundance of caution, they decided to postpone.”

The football game resumed on Saturday, Sept. 28, but took place at Avondale High School. Avondale defeated Ferndale with a final score of 21-7.

Hibbler stated that there weren’t any viable threats based on the incidents and school resumed operations the following Monday, Sept. 30.

“If your student feels the need to discuss and process emotions from attendance at the game, please let the main office staff know and we will make accommodations for support resources,” said Hibbler. “Going forward, we will continue our plans to provide increased safety liaison presence for our school events, and enforcement of our entry requirements. I appreciate the support and feedback from our school community and we will keep you informed as we continue to improve our process.”

Ferndale played on the road last weekend.