Bristol Rovers appeal to fans to report racism
Bristol Rovers have urged fans to report any racist behaviour after the Football Association told the club to kick out racism.
Three racist incidents involving Bristol Rovers fans have been reported to the FA, the most serious of which was at an away game against Leicester City when seven people were arrested.
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Bristol Rovers have urged fans to report any racist behaviour after the Football Association told the club to kick out racism.
The FA has now asked the club for reassurances that there will be no repeat of the problems in future.
An appeal was made over the tannoy and in the match-day programme at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday ahead of the game against Tranmere.
Fans were told that the mindless actions of a small minority could tarnish the reputation of the club.
Dave Harper, the club's safety officer, said in the programme: "I regret to say that the unpleasant subject of racism has reared its ugly head and I am presently dealing with three incidents at recent matches involving this club.
"The most serious of these occurred at the away match at Leicester when a small, but significant number of our supporters were chanting particularly offensive, racist comments towards the home fans.
"Unfortunately the incident was reported to the FA, and I have been asked by them for reassurances that there will be no repeat."
Jim Chappell, chairman of the supporters' club, also appealed in the programme for help from fans to stamp out any sign of racism by reporting those responsible. Referring to the Leicester game he said: "As well as the police over-reaction to some rather pathetic and childish behaviour from a small group purporting to be Rovers fans (most of whom I have never seen on an away trip before) there was some obscene chanting, including one of a racist nature.
"There is little more that we can do except to ask you decent individuals out there to report any future miscreants...so that we can try to stamp out the sort of boorish behaviour that can spoil any match, regardless of the result."
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by R, Bristol
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 6:27PM
“When did anyone ever celebrate people being nice to each other, Muppet. What planet are you from then one which has a superior ego believing all others are wrong?”
by justin, Bristol
Tuesday, December 16 2008, 2:24AM
“Guys they are not handing out any more medals for pc nutters, so stop crawling. All abuse is wrong, it does not matter if it's racial or not. Robots”
by M, Bristol
Monday, December 15 2008, 8:45PM
“I am very pleased for you blue blood, can you tell me though when was the last time you were attacked on the street because of the colour of your skin, unable to get a job because you were english, what political parties are there designed to keep britain white free? Is your family name the name of your slave owner?
It is great that you feel powerful enough to stand up for your self when a few 'supporters' shout anti England chants,that is the point because of your standing you are powerful not oppressed, you need to look at the wider picture. Why is it that caring for someone when they are being abused is wrong?”
by Blueblood, Bristol
Monday, December 15 2008, 7:53PM
“As John,briz says,cardiff swansea and wrexham fans hurle racist abuse and chant anti-english songs on a weekly basis,i've been on the receiving end as an englishman,does it offend me? no of course not,you just hurle it right back at them! its part and parcel.
will the PC brigade please wind thier necks in.”
by MendipMan, Wurzel Country
Monday, December 15 2008, 7:30PM
“Good to see the chairman of the supporters' club is behind the authorities who are trying to stamp out all misbehaviour at football matches, including racism.
All he is concerned about is what he describes as police over-reaction and, oh yes, there might have been one racist chant amongst the obscenities.
With this this sort of lukewarm support for the authorities from someone in a supposedy responsible position is it any wonder the morons think it great to indulge in their disgraceful behaviour?
I don't know what disgusts me most: the racism of these 'supporters' (but they're not really supporters because they haven't been seen on the coach before) or the reaction of the supporters' club official.
He should be standing four-square behind the police and stewards in their work and not trying to divert attention by making comments about the police.
I just hope he really does want to stamp out this kind of thing. His comments have not convinced me.”