Two English second-tier clubs have condemned racist abuse of players following Saturday’s games.
Brentford said it “utterly condemns discrimination” after a season-ticket holder was arrested following an allegation of abuse by Derby midfielder Duane Holmes.
Club Statement on arrest at Griffin Parkhttps://t.co/skDotH6fJ0
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) April 6, 2019
The incident happened late in the League Championship match after Holmes was substituted in the 74th minute. The game at Griffin Park in west London ended 3-3.
Derby manager Frank Lampard said “Duane’s upset with the situation. It’s not what we want to see in life, not just in football.”
In a separate case, Wigan reported a racist message sent to defender Nathan Byrne on Twitter to the police and said “we find this behaviour abhorrent.”
Byrne posted a screenshot on his Twitter account of a message he received following Wigan’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
We are angered by the racist abuse of our player Nathan Byrne on social media tonight.
There is no place for discrimination in society and social media is not an exception to those rules. We find this behaviour abhorrent.https://t.co/tOqI18wULv#wafc 🔵⚪️💚
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) April 6, 2019
A statement on the Wigan website read: “Wigan Athletic Football Club are angered by racist abuse received on the personal Twitter account of one of our players, Nathan Byrne, on Saturday afternoon.
“We have reported the incident to the police and will work with the relevant authorities to assist them with their investigations.
“There is no place for discrimination in society and social media is not an exception to those rules. We find this behaviour abhorrent.”
Anti-racism group Kick It Out says it will be “liaising with the relevant authorities and offering support to clubs and players involved.”