Ugo Monye has called out rugby fans for failing to come to his aid after he accused a supporter of racially abusing him at an Exeter Chiefs match.
Monye covered the Chiefs’ dramatic 25-24 win over rivals Gloucester in the Premiership on Sunday for TNT Sports. The 40-year-old says he was then targeted with racist abuse upon leaving the match at Sandy Park and was upset that no-one confronted the person.
He tweeted: “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘N****, N****…’ disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me ‘We’re with you’. B******* you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up”.
Exeter Chiefs said in a statement: “In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter Rugby Club will be launching a full investigation. This behaviour will not be tolerated at our Rugby Club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
“Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community that is highly respected by everyone at our club. If anyone has any information regarding this incident we would ask you to get in touch with the Chiefs as soon as you can.”
Devon and Cornwall Police replied to Monye’s tweet, writing: “Totally unacceptable .. please report via 101 or online so we can work with @ExeterChiefs to identify the suspect and investigate this crime”.
Gloucester added: “Gloucester Rugby would like to express, in the strongest of terms, its full support of @ugomonye. We encourage a thorough investigation and will cooperate fully to ensure the culprit is identified. Racism has no place anywhere - including in our sport.”
Premiership Rugby said in a statement: "Racism has absolutely no place in our game or society. Premiership Rugby offers our full support to Ugo Monye and we stand united with our clubs and players in the fight against racism."
Monye is a regular face on our screens as a pundit. The former winger spent his entire career at Harlequins and won 14 caps for England before retiring in 2015.
The alleged racism overshadowed the game at Sandy Park where Exeter beat Gloucester thanks to Henry Slade’s kick at the death. The kick ensured Exeter maintained their 13-month unbeaten home run.