Fan arrested for ‘racist gesture’ at Bassong
Swansea City supporter has been arrested on suspicion of racially
abusing Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong during Saturday's
Premier League game between the sides, the Welsh club announced.
Bassong scored the second goal in a 4-3 win for Norwich at the
Liberty Stadium but the incident is alleged to have occurred after
Robert Snodgrass claimed the visitors' fourth goal in the 77th minute.
The Cameroon international indicated to referee Howard Webb that he
had been the victim of a racist gesture as he celebrated Snodgrass' goal
with his team-mates.
Webb subsequently relayed Bassong's complaint to the fourth official
and a male fan was then arrested. “There was an incident after Norwich's
fourth goal. Sebastien Bassong made the referee aware there was a racist
gesture towards him from a Swansea City fan,” said a Swansea spokesman.
“Within 10 minutes of the report, the stewards had got hold of the TV
footage, replayed it, identified the alleged person in question and
within that period, he was arrested for a racially aggravated public
order offence.
“The matter is with the police, but from the club's point of view, we
abhor racism and we have worked hard over the years to make this a
family club. We will look into it and a further statement will follow in
due course.” Early reports suggested the arrested fan made a monkey
gesture towards Bassong.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton expressed sadness at the thought that
his side's first away win of the campaign might be overshadowed by the
incident. “I was made aware at the end of the game there was a gesture
made towards Sebastien and I have to say, credit to a very good football
club in Swansea City,” he said.
“They have identified it and the matter is now with the right
authorities and they are dealing with it.
“It is disappointing because it was a wonderful football match out
there today (Saturday), but Swansea have dealt with it in the correct
way.” Later Saturday, South Wales police confirmed the arrest of a
23-year-old in relation to the allegations. “We can confirm that a
23-year-old Swansea man was arrested during the Swansea v Norwich game
at the Liberty Stadium for a racially aggravated public order offence,”
said a spokesman.
“He remains in police custody.”
AFP |