Two men who had been sitting in the away end were removed from the ground by stewards after the incident. Officers are treating it as a hate crime
The match between Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers at the Gas’ Memorial Stadium was reportedly stained with an incident of racial abuse against one of Rovers’ players at the weekend. The incident, which is being treated as a hate crime, took place at the League One match between the two sides on Saturday, December 9.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that two men, who were sitting with the Cheltenham Town fans on The Memorial Stadium’s East Terrace, were removed from the ground. The matter had been reported to the police by a steward during the second half of the match.
Investigating officers are now appealing for information on what happened. They are urging anyone who saw or heard anything to get in touch.
Force football officer PC Mark Neal said: “There is no place in society for racial abuse or discrimination. We are treating the incident as a hate crime and we’ll work with both clubs to fully investigate what happened.
“The player was spoken to by an officer immediately after Saturday’s game. We have also notified the Professional Footballers’ Association too. We’d ask anyone with information about what was said or who was responsible to please come forward.”
Avon and Somerset Police added: “Anyone who saw or heard anything which could help is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223300697. If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5223300697, or complete our online appeals form.
“You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”
