Colorado State have apologized after a visiting player from Ukraine was subjected to “Russia” chants during their college basketball game against Utah State.

When Utah State’s Max Shulga, who is from Kyiv, went to the free-throw line during Saturday’s game, chants of “Russia” could be heard from the Colorado State student section in an apparent reference to the ongoing war in the guard’s home country.

“Following tonight’s basketball game, we became aware that a small group of individuals in our student section chanted ‘Russia’ at a student-athlete from Utah State, who is from Ukraine,” the school wrote in a series of tweets after the game.

“On behalf of Colorado State, we apologize to the student-athlete and Utah State. This is a violation of our steadfast belief in the Mountain West Sportsmanship Policy and University Principles of Community.

“Every participant, student, and fan should feel welcomed in our venues, and for something like this to have occurred is unacceptable at Colorado State.”

Shulga sank four of his five free-throws to help Utah State to an 88-79 victory. He has paid tribute to his country during some games by wearing blue and yellow shoe laces.