Police Arrest man for Racially Abusing former England International, Ashley Cole.
The 24-year-old man has been detained in connection with racist comments aimed towards Ashley Cole during Swindon’s FA Cup match against Manchester City on January 7.
Cole was working as a commentator for ITV, who were airing the game. He is presently a coach with England U21s and the Chelsea academy.
“A man has been detained in connection with a complaint of racial abuse following Swindon Town’s FA Cup encounter with Manchester City earlier this month,” Wiltshire Police said in a statement on Saturday.
“According to reports, the incident happened in the area between the Town End and the Don Rogers stand, where the ITV punditry was set up.”
In our inquiry, we worked closely with the club and ITV, and a 24-year-old local man was detained this morning on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offense.
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He was transported to Gablecross and is still being held.
“Racial abuse of any type will never be accepted by Wiltshire Police,” said Superintendent Phil Staynings. We’ve worked closely with the football club, who share our strong view on this issue, and we appreciate their assistance with our continuing inquiry.
“We continue to urge people to report these sorts of crimes, and I’m proud that my officers worked tirelessly to make this arrest.”
“We will continue to work with the club to eradicate any forms of hate crime that detract from the majority of fans’ enjoyment of the game.”
Following the event, Swindon owner Clem Morfuni issued a statement in which he claimed the club was “very appalled” by the insults and apologized to Cole.
“We regretfully received complaints of racist abuse against Ashley Cole, who was part of ITV’s broadcast crew, during our FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester City at the County Ground,” Morfuni stated.
“We are heartbroken and appalled by this, and we cannot emphasize enough that racist abuse of any type will not be accepted at Swindon Town Football Club.”
“Racism has no place in the world, and the fact that it still exists in our game is upsetting.”
“We are now compiling information with Wiltshire Police, but those culpable will be held accountable.”
“On behalf of everyone at Swindon Town Football Club, we express our profound apologies to Ashley Cole, and we regret that you had to go through that last night.”
“Those few people do not represent Swindon Town and will be refused entry to the County Ground.”
