Colorado state apologizes after fans called “RUSSIA” to Ukrainian Utah state security guard Max Shulga

Colorado State has issued a public apology to Utah State and Ukraine state security guard Max Shulga after sections of the crowd chanted “Russia” in Saturday’s game in an attempt to throw him off.

Shulga – a junior and guard from Kyiv, Ukraine – had 40.9 seconds left at the free-throw line and the Aggies were leading 83-77 when fans at Moby Arena suddenly chanted.

According to ESPN, voices can be heard from the Colorado State Department. The school later said in a series of tweets that the chanting came from a “small group of individuals.”

It was also reported that Shulga’s family still lives in Ukraine and has done so throughout the war.

Colorado State fans sang “Russia” chants addressed to Utah State’s Max Shulga of Kyiv, Ukraine

Shulga was at the free-throw line when the chant could be heard in the Aggies’ 88-79 win on Saturday

“On behalf of the state of Colorado, we apologize to the student athlete and the state of Utah,” the tweet said. “This is a violation of our unwavering belief in Mountain West Sportsmanship and the University Principles of Community.

“Every attendee, student and fan should feel welcome at our venues and that is unacceptable in the state of Colorado.”

Colorado State coach Niko Medved also apologized on Twitter after the game.

“I have so much respect for @USUBasketball and Max Shulga,” Medved wrote. “We have great fans and students, but that’s not acceptable! My sincerest apologies.’

Colorado State apologized to both Utah State and Shulga on Saturday after the loss

Shulga finished in a three-for-four from the free throw line to play his part in Utah State’s 88-79 win. He had nine points, six assists and three rebounds in 33 minutes.

February 24 marks one year since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russian athletes have since been banned from several high-profile sporting events, including the 2022 World Cup, last year’s Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

And while the Russian Federation has been banned from participating in the Winter Olympics, there is an ongoing debate over whether to allow Russian athletes to compete in next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris.