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Man arrested over alleged racist abuse directed at Ashley Cole
Published 14:59 29 Jan 2022 GMT
Homesport
The police confirmed the man was taken to Gablecross Police Station
A man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse directed at Ashley Cole during Swindon Town's FA Cup tie with Manchester City earlier this month. The 24-year-old, from Swindon, was held on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, police confirmed. He was arrested on Saturday (January 29) morning and taken to Gablecross Police Station. Cole was part of ITV's presentation team at the County Ground on January 7 when the abuse allegedly took place. Swindon apologised to the former Chelsea defender, with owner Clem Morfuni saying: "We are absolutely saddened and deeply disgusted by this."We cannot stress strongly enough that racial abuse of any kind will not be tolerated."
He added: "Racism has no place in the world and it is incredibly heart-breaking that this still has a place in our game.
"We are working with Wiltshire Police on gathering evidence but those responsible will be punished accordingly.
"On behalf of everyone at Swindon Town Football Club, we send out our heartfelt apologies to Ashley Cole and it is with our deepest regret that you had to experience that.
"Those few individuals do not represent Swindon Town and will not be welcome at The County Ground."
Following the arrest, Supt Phil Staynings said: "Racial abuse of any kind will never be tolerated by Wiltshire Police."He added that the force had worked with both the club and ITV on the investigation.
"We continue to encourage people to report these types of incidents and I'm pleased that my officers have been relentless in securing this positive arrest," added Supt Staynings.
"We will continue to work with the club to stamp out hate crime of any kind that spoils matches for the majority of supporters."
Cole is currently a coach with the England U21s and the Chelsea academy.Explore more on these topics:
