Georgia school district apologizes after 'spirit ribbons' showing the opposing school's mascot hanging by a NOOSE are handed out before high school football game (3 Pics)

A Georgia school board has apologized over spirit ribbons given out before a football scrimmage this month that showed the opposing school's mascot hanged by a noose.

The ribbons distributed by Locust Grove High School show the hanged McDonough High School's Warhawk struggling with a noose and the words 'Hang The War Hawks' surrounding the image.

The Henry County Board of Education posted a Facebook statement Friday that said the message was 'unintentional.' 

The district says school administrators didn't approve the ribbon and have collected those that were distributed.

Ribbons distributed by Locust Grove High School before a football game this month pictured their opponent's mascot hanging by a noose

It showed McDonough High School's Warhawk struggling with a noose and the words 'Hang The War Hawks' surrounding the image

A viewer pointed the ribbon out to 11Alive, saying: 'Locust Grove High School gave this to their students for beating Henry County High/Mcdonough High in some sport/competition. 

'LG is majority white and HCHS/Mcdonough High is majority black. Look what's around the hawk neck.'

In response, the district released this statement saying they do not tolerate 'these types of inappropriate messages and behavior'.

'We were made aware of a highly inappropriate message that was produced on a Locust Grove ribbon for their upcoming football scrimmage. School administrators were not aware nor ever approved the ribbon purchase,' the statement reads.

'However, once alerted to the matter, the school took immediate corrective action to collect the limited number of ribbons that were distributed. Additionally, both schools have spoken and an apology has been shared between school administrators and athletic officials. 

'We do not tolerate these types of inappropriate messages and behaviors. A further investigation into the matter is underway.'

The Henry County Board of Education posted a statement to Facebook saying it was 'unintentional', while the high school principal apologized 

Locust Grove principal Toney Townsend issued an apology, saying they were 'extremely sorry' for the ribbons and their 'highly inappropriate' message.

'At no point is this type of message ever condoned,' he said in a statement. 'At the end of the day, what happened is a strong reminder of the power of words, and that is why we want to publicly express our sincerest apologies for the unacceptable error in this ribbon and message being chosen. 

'We have reached out to our opponent's administrators and athletic officials to express our apologies, too.'