Police appeal after footballer suffers alleged racist abuse during game

UK

Police are appealing for witnesses after Burton Albion defender Udoka Godwin-Malife was allegedly the target of racist abuse during the 3-1 defeat by Bristol Rovers.

Burton boss Gary Bowyer and Godwin-Malife, 24, were spoken to by uniformed officers in the changing room area after the game at the Memorial Stadium.

It came after referee Tom Kirk halted the game midway through the second half.

During the break, a Rovers supporter was ordered to leave the ground following the incident which prompted a flurry of finger-pointing by players.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers were made aware of the incident at around 4.20pm on Saturday.

Image:
Udoka Godwin-Malife in action in September 2024. Pic: PA file pic

A fan, who is described as white and wearing a black North Face jacket and glasses, was seated in the Bristol Rovers section of the stadium when they reportedly made hateful comments.

Football Officer PC Steven Dix said: “We are working closely with both football clubs to gather statements from players and have conducted a number of inquiries, including gaining CCTV.”

More on Bristol

Read more from Sky News:
British couple detained in Iran are named
World number one gets three-month tennis ban for doping

Bowyer remained tight-lipped about the nature of the incident, but told reporters: “My main concern is the welfare of our players, so that is the main thing for me, making sure all of our players are OK, and so we will offer all of them the support that is needed.”

A statement from Bristol Rovers read: “Bristol Rovers Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse aimed at a Burton Albion player during today’s Sky Bet League One fixture at The Memorial Stadium.

“The Club is working closely with Burton Albion and the police to fully investigate the matter.”

Burton Albion said on social media platform X: “Both clubs are fully aligned that there is no place in football for racist abuse and will be supporting the player in any way we can.”

Members of the public are encouraged to contact 101 and quote reference 5225040996.

Articles You May Like

Volkswagen confirms new £25K ID.2X is coming next year as the electric T-Cross replacement
USA vs. the World? NBA stars like new ASG idea
Canada’s Makar out, Harley in against Team USA
China Names Its Moon Spacesuit and Rover Ahead of Lunar Mission
Israel says it will receive bodies of four hostages held by Hamas in Gaza