One arrest has been made, while police investigate a separate incident
Two separate incidents of alleged racist abuse are being investigated by police following Championship matches on Saturday afternoon.
Brentford have confirmed a season ticket holder has been arrested after their 3-3 draw with Derby County, where Frank Lampard said that midfielder Duane Holmes had been abused shortly after being substituted.
As well as this, Wigan Athletic have reported an abusive message sent to Nathan Byrne on Twitter following their 2-2 draw away at Bristol City.
Lampard revealed Holmes had been abused by a supporter after he was substituted in the match at Griffin Park.
“Duane Holmes complained that he was racially abused – I didn’t see it, I was facing play and a fan came up to him at the side of the dugout and abused him,” the former Chelsea midfielder told Sky Sports.
“Because it’s such an important issue I don’t want to go beyond what I know, but it was very clearly reported by the players and the people around.”
Brentford confirmed later that the supporter was promptly identified, removed from the stadium and arrested. The club added they are continuing to liaise with police and vowed that “the most severe sanctions will be imposed on any individual convicted of discrimination”.
Wigan’s Byrne posted an image of an abusive direct message sent to him on Twitter. Wigan have reported the abuse and promised to work with relevant authorities to ‘ensure the actions of the person responsible are dealt with appropriately’.
These incidents come just days after Tottenham defender Danny Rose, who was racially abused while playing for England in Montenegro last month, said he “can’t wait” to end his paying career over his frustration the lack of action taken against racism within the game.
