PULLMAN — As if the game weren’t wild enough, the Apple Cup Saturday was marred by fans throwing iceballs, snowballs and half-filled plastic bottles that injured a number of people on the field, including members of the bands of both schools.
Sheriff”s deputies told Sportspress Northwest during the game that a dozen people were thrown out of Martin Stadium and six were arrested. Campus police told KXLY TV in Spokane Monday that there were 18 arrests and 30 ejections.
Campus police said fans of both schools were responsible. In one instance, WSU cheerleaders were pelted when they were in front of the UW crowd. In video shot by Sportspress Northwest videographer Noel Zanchelli, who himself was hit in the head with an iceball, a UW fan is seen standing on the field flipping a bird at Cougar fans in the stands, who responded by throwing chunks of ice and snow.
KXLY officials in Pullman say that if an Apple Cup is held in Pullman when theres snowfall prior to the game theyll do a better job of making sure snow is cleaned out of the stadium. They also plan to launch a sportsmanship campaign to prevent a repeat.
Snow from a midweek storm had largely been cleared by game time, but subfreezing conditions all week — the game-time temperature was 19 degrees — left ice. Chunks were hurled steadily throughout the game, won by Washington, 35-28.
Band members from the University of Washington and host Washington State became easy targets as they gathered on the field for the halftime show. Several required medical attention but no serious injuries were reported.
Semisi Tokolahi, a Washington defensive lineman who suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in the fourth quarter, was pelted with objects as he was carted to a waiting ambulance at the edge of the field.
After the game, victorious Washington fans were allowed onto the field, which drew fire from WSU fans.