Police ‘make contact’ with man over alleged racist abuse of Ugo Monye
Police have “made contact” with a man in connection with the alleged racist abuse suffered by former England international Ugo Monye outside Sandy Park on Sunday.
The TNT Sports pundit and commentator, and Guardian columnist, said the incident occurred as he was leaving Sandy Park following Exeter’s 25-24 Premiership victory against Gloucester, describing it “the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game”.
Devon and Cornwall police said in a statement: “We have identified and made contact with a man in connection to the incident and we are in the process of speaking to the victim. Our enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.”
Quick GuideHow do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
After the match on Sunday, Monye posted details of the episode on social media. “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘Nigga, Nigga…’” wrote the former Harlequins and England winger. “Disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me ‘We’re with you.’ BOLLOCKS you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up.”
Premiership Rugby and Gloucester expressed support for Monye after Exeter announced they had launched a “full investigation”, the club adding: “This behaviour will not be tolerated at our rugby club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”