Fans arrested at Peterborough-Doncaster match over alleged racism
Peterborough have confirmed two arrests were made for alleged racist behaviour in the away end during the match against Doncaster at the Weston Homes Stadium.
Both Sky Bet League One clubs issued statements on Thursday evening, saying they would work together in support of Cambridgeshire Police.
Doncaster, who won the match 3-0, said the club “abhor racism in any form”.
STATEMENT #DRFC are aware of two arrests made at the game on Boxing Day for alleged racist behaviour.
As a club we abhor racism in any form and will work closely with @theposhofficial and Cambridgeshire Police as required to support any police action.https://t.co/PH01DeWKFL
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) December 26, 2019
A Doncaster club statement read: “We take a zero tolerance approach to such issues and would expect to issue a substantial club ban to anyone proven to have acted in such a manner as well as require them to complete some educational actions before attending any Rovers games.”
Peterborough said in a statement: “The football club can confirm that there were two arrests made in the away section of the Weston Homes Stadium for alleged racist behaviour.
“The club and Doncaster Rovers are working together with the police on this matter.”
The Football Association has been contacted for comment.
STATEMENT The football club can confirm two supporters were arrested in the away section of the @westonhomesstad this afternoon for alleged racist behaviour. https://t.co/YRfOPNCFa7#pufc#AUnitedCity
— Peterborough United (@theposhofficial) December 26, 2019
The developments on Boxing Day follow on from Tottenham’s investigation into the apparent racial abuse of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger during the Premier League match on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, confirmed a Chelsea fan was ejected from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and arrested after committing a racially aggravated public order offence against Spurs forward Son Heung-min.
The South Korea international had been shown a red card for a challenge on Rudiger.
The PFA calls for a government enquiry into racism and the rise in hate crime within football and immediate and urgent action from an All-Party Group at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to address this urgent issue.
— Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) December 22, 2019
This season has seen a series of incidents at all levels of the game.
The Professional Footballers’ Association has called for a government-led inquiry.
Downing Street said that there remains work to be done by the football authorities to stamp out racism, but did not rule out “taking further steps if required”.
