PRO FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : RAIDERS : Game Is Violent, Fans Shouldn’t Be

At his Wednesday news conference, Raider Coach Art Shell apologized for Sunday’s incident at the Coliseum in which a Pittsburgh Steeler fan was seriously injured after being struck by Raider fans late in the game.

“Unfortunately these things happen because one or two people come to the doggone game and lose control of themselves,” Shell said. “The game is for people to enjoy, cheer and have a good time. . . . It can’t get out of hand like that. We don’t condone it, and the players definitely don’t condone it.”

Shell said the violence on the field should not be misconstrued.

“Just because players are pushing and shoving on the football field doesn’t mean you have to get involved as a fan,” Shell said. “If the fan notices, the players after the game meet across the field and shake hands and find out how each other’s families are doing.”

Cornerback Dennis Price, who has had a shoulder injury, and tackle Bruce Wilkerson, recovering from a knee injury, are eligible to return from the injured reserve list after Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears at the Coliseum. Shell said Price would probably rejoin the team, but Wilkerson might need another week before returning.