Exeter Chiefs are to launch an investigation after an allegation of racist abuse made by Ugo Monye, the former England wing. Monye, who was covering the Chiefs v Gloucester fixture for TNT Sports, described the incident as “the most blatant racism” he has experienced at any rugby stadium.
After the match an angry Monye posted details of the episode on social media. “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘Nigga, Nigga…’” he wrote. “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.”
Exeter were swift to respond, condemning such behaviour “in the strongest possible terms” and calling on other supporters to supply further information. “Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question.
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“We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community [who] is highly respected by everyone at our club. If anyone has any information regarding this incident we would ask you to get in touch with the Chiefs as soon as you can.”
Premiership Rugby and Gloucester have also expressed full support for Monye, who is also a Guardian columnist. Gloucester have called for a thorough investigation – “Racism has no place anywhere – including in our sport” – while Premiership Rugby said it stood “united with our clubs and players in the fight against racism”.
