Race taunt claims by Punjabi Wolves Supporters
Punjabi Wolves Supporters say they were subjected to racial taunts during Wolves match against Wigan and that their complaints inside the stadium were ignored by police.
Fans say they were targeted during the game at the DW Stadium last Saturday, which Wolves won 1-0 with another goal from Benik Afobe. Greater Manchester Police hav e confirmed they are not investigating any alleged incidents of racism at the match. Tegbir Singh, aged 31, from Goldthorn Park, said he was among supporters in the North Stand that were targeted by a set of Wigan fans.
"It was absolutely disgraceful," he said. "I've been going to away games with Wolves for seven years and I've never come across anything like this before. The abuse was happening right in front of the police but they just let it go on."
The abuse is alleged to have started shortly after Wolves took the lead in the 25th minute. It is said to have reached its peak when Wigan's James McClean was sent off in injury time at the end of the match.
Mr Singh said he approached a policeman on duty in the stadium to make an official complaint, but was told that he hadn't heard any racist insults. "He told me 'you Wolves fans gave as good as you got'," said Mr Singh.
"The Wigan fans doing this were in a minority but they shouldn't be allowed to get away with this. It's made me ask whether we are serious about getting rid of racism in football. After this I will think twice about going away again."
Members of Punjabi Wolves Supporters have reported the alleged racism to equality in football campaigners Kick It Out.
Tom Taylor, from Kick It Out, confirmed they had received a complaint from Wolves fans.
"We forward any complaints we receive on to the Football Association for them to deal with," he said. "Anyone who feels they have been the victim of racial abuse will get our full support."
Supt Neil Evans from Greater Manchester Police said: "As match commander of the Wigan Athletic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers match at the weekend, I was not made aware of anything like this happening.
"I would like to assure everybody that we take reports like this extremely seriously and we are now looking into this matter to try and get to the bottom of it."
