CINCINNATI -- Withrow University High School's soccer team -- known as a haven for students with international refugee backgrounds -- is calling its opponents Monday night "ignorant."
Before the start of the non-conference game at 7 p.m., the hosting Edgewood Cougars played "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King over a speaker system, according to tweets from the Withrow 'Les Tigres' Twitter account.
According to the Withrow team, the music was demeaning.
When our team, made up largely of refugees took the field, our opponent decided to play "The Circle of Life", the Lion King theme song.
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
Last year, the boy's team had only one U.S.-born player on the roster, and the girl's team was made up completely of refugees who came from Latin America and Africa, according to the coach.
The team's twitter account took the song as a major slight.
We first started this account in part to share the incredible acts of kindness towards our team by other schools and individuals.
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
We never intended to use this account as anything but a means of advocacy for our players. We understand in the heat of competition...
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
Actions (good and bad) occur out of passion. It is this passion that makes high school sports an incredible part of our American culture.
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
Patently ignorant at best, a reflection of the most dehumanizing aspects of colonization at worst, our kids did nothing to deserve mockery.
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
We wold like to reiterate we are not here pass judgement or contribute to any political dialogue. We are simply raising awareness so...
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
That the feelings of our students are not needlessly hurt and they don't feel unnecessary embarrassment and alienation. We only hope that...
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
We spark a dialogue of being culturally aware and fluent. We understand in a rapidly diversifying world mistakes and accidents will happen.
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 29, 2015
Some Edgewood soccer players, parents and coaches responded to Withrow, and said "The Circle of Life" is regularly played at the start of Edgewood home soccer games.
@WithrowSoccer 😂😂 we play that every game.
— Nick Foyles (@NickFoyles) September 29, 2015
@WithrowSoccer We play that same sound track at every game, no need to try and tarnish our soccer program with your opinion.
— Michael Poff (@thepoffster) September 29, 2015
@WithrowSoccer @NickFoyles this song has been played at the beginning of all home games as the teams walkout song. It wasn't meant this way
— John Foyles (@FoylesJS) September 29, 2015
Edgewood Athletic Director John Thomas said "The Circle of Life" is one song on a large playlist, and has been played since Edgewood's first home soccer game of the season.
"There was no intent to cause harm to Withrow, their fans or their athletes," Thomas said. "This is the first time that any complaints have ever been brought to our attention. If Withrow interpreted it in an offensive way then we apologize."
Thomas said Monday night's game between Edgewood and Withrow included "perfect, polite play by Edgewood," who he said received no calls of unsportsmanlike conduct against them.
He said the referee called unsportsmanlike conduct against Withrow during the game, but he could not elaborate on any possible "dirty plays" by Withrow.
Withrow High School's Athletic Director Darren Braddix said he did not want to comment on the matter, but he has been in contact with Edgewood and wants to resolve the issue internally.
Jerry Snodgrass, Asst. Commissioner of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, said the high school sports commission has been in contact with Edgewood and Withrow school officials and soccer coaches.
He said he cannot discuss the status of any potential complaints or repercussions.
Over the last year, other local schools in the Tri-State donated cleats, soccer balls and other equipment to Withrow's Les Tigres teams, who have not been able to provide cleats or uniforms for their entire teams and don't have the financial backing from parents that most schools enjoy.
Kings, Glen Este and Amelia high schools all donated equipment to Withrow teams prior to team matchups this season.
Huge thanks to @kingsathletics soccer for donating two whole boxes full of equipment! Truly amazing! #ECCstrong pic.twitter.com/iBdX0qXJE1
— Withrow Soccer (@WithrowSoccer) September 25, 2015
@cincy_kids4kids and the @GEHS_BWalker girls soccer team donating new shoes to the Withrow team. @ECC_Sports pic.twitter.com/4gk89ycUpD
— Dan Simmons (@glenestead) September 1, 2015
