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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Derby respond as fans accused of racist and homophobic abuse towards own player

Derby County have responded to accusations that their fans hurled racist and homophobic abuse to one of their own players and an opposition man during their defeat to Peterborough on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney's side conceded two added-time goals as the Posh came from behind to beat the Rams in the Championship lunchtime kick-off.

Following the match, accusations of racist and homophobic comments towards winger Kamil Jozwiak and an unnamed Peterborough player at London Road were made by Rams supporters group Punjabi Rams.

They wrote on Twitter : "A disappointing result but what was even more disappointing was the fact a minority of our fans made a homophobic slur towards a Peterborough player and racist comments towards Jozwiak.

"We've reported the incidents and encourage others to do the same if heard or seen."

In a response the accusations, Derby responded in a brief statement: "We thank Punjabi Rams for rightly reporting these incidents and do not, in any way, condone these actions.

"We will work with the relevant authorities to determine who these individuals were.

"Enough is enough."

Jozwiak, 23, was deemed to be at fault as the Rams lost in the dying embers and Derby await their first league victory of the campaign after two games.

Derby County have released a statement (NurPhoto/PA Images)

The Poland international has struggled to find form at Pride Park since signing last summer, despite often impressing for his nation thanks to his lightning speed and direct approach.

Manager Rooney and his team has had to deal with a number of issues himself ahead of the new season, including a transfer embargo enforced by the English Football League.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out recently sent football fans a message ahead of the new season, urging supporters to report incidents of racial abuse.

"Racism cannot be allowed to run unchecked through football and accountability is essential in stemming the spread. Reporting incidents of abuse is the first step in this process," they stressed.

"We have to know where and when discrimination happens.

"This information helps us work with relevant authorities to bring those responsible to justice, and it helps us provide welfare and after care to victims. It also helps us understand the scope of the problem and the organisations we need to work with to make sure events are not repeated.

"We all saw the horrific abuse suffered by the three Black England players after the final at the Euros. This week the police announced that a handful of the people responsible for those awful messages had been arrested.

"While this is a small but vital step, it would not have been possible without people reporting those posts in the first instance. It makes a huge difference," explained Kick It Out.

"So, for those fans returning to stadiums this weekend and going forward, we need you to take action when you see abuse in the stands. You are in the crowd, but you cannot just be a spectator anymore.

"If you see racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia or discrimination of any kind, report it directly to Kick It Out, and alert your nearest steward or police officer."

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