Football rivalry sparks talk of clothing ban

TEMPE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Two rival football teams went head-to-head Friday night, and it's not the big match up on the field that people were fired up about.

The talk of a ban on patriotic clothing at the game made national headlines, but the district said that was not the case.

Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe is facing off against rival Marcos de Niza High School. The game was supposed to have a "USA" theme, but school officials changed it to an "Orange Out" after there were some concerns over racist and offensive clothing.

A Tweet posted by the school's official student publication said "Anything perceived to be offensive/racist: Green, USA, flags, Trump, etc. It's not the clothing, but the intent behind it.

Shortly after the story broke on national media and the internet, the Tweets from the school publication were taken down. Then the district issued a Tweet saying, "Media reports of a ban of colors or flags @ tonight's Corona del Sol vs. Marcos de Niza fball game are FALSE. NO ban. All colors are welcome."

In the past students attending a matchup between the two schools have showcased themes and chants that appear racist towards Marcos de Niza HS, which 40% of the student population is Hispanic.