UK & World News
- 22 October 2012, 10:01
Police Probe Sunderland-Newcastle Racism Claim
Police are investigating claims of racist abuse against a Newcastle United player during the team's Premier League derby clash with Sunderland.
The alleged abuse was aimed at Senegalese striker Demba Ba by a Sunderland fan, according to a witness who told Sky Tyne and Wear about the remark.
It could allegedly be seen in footage broadcast on Sky Sports.
Sky Tyne and Wear passed the allegation to Northumbria Police.
A police spokesman said: "There was one report of racist language having been used by a supporter in one area of the stadium - enquiries into this report are ongoing."
Sunderland fans were also heard singing that they wished Newcastle defender Steven Taylor was dead during the 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Taylor had been outspoken in the build-up about the rivalry between the two clubs.
Fifteen arrests were made in connection to the match, with six of them coming in a pre-planned police operation in the early morning before kick-off.
However, police said there were "very few" problems inside the stadium and praised the majority of spectators for their behaviour.
The racism allegation came amid an increasing focus on the issue in the Premier League after the FA found Chelsea and England defender John Terry guilty of using a racial remark against QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
Over the weekend, a number of players, including Ferdinand, refused to wear Kick It Out anti-racism t-shirts in protest at perceived weaknesses in punishing offenders.
what do you think?
krafty81
For crying out loud playing the racism card all the time is getting a bit boring now. If it's that bad play the games behind closed doors. I would imagine racism has been going on for years. I don't condone it one bit but the more it's bought up in the media the worst it seems to get.
Emma Barrett
this is getting ridiculous now, every other day there is some new 'racism' claim. it's just all hype and i for one am sick of hearing it.
Chris Robinson
You're right, Emma, racism is really rife in this and other sports now. They need to clamp down on it. It's disgusting isn't it? I'm with you. It's ridiculous to discriminate against people on grounds of race... ...oh, wait a minute, you seem to think it's okay to be racist. That's right. You support John Terry too, didn't you? Even though he has now accepted he was guilty and his 'behaviour fell below his usual standard' - to quote Terry himself. But then, you agreed with Nick Griffin too, didn't you? Oh, well.
Lorgar Aurelian
6:09am on 22/10/2012
Do these numpties not know that they will always be found due to the number of cameras and deservedly banned from their club for life? I can't think of a club that doesn't have black players now, do they do the same to their own squad? Or is it a 'different' black? Idiots.
Chris Robinson
12:10pm on 22/10/2012
Our neighbours can be heard shouting racial abuse at their TV screens when football is on. And they shout 'good n.....!' when it is one of their own black players playing well. So, yes, it does happen. Absolutely ludicrous.