Rotherham United issue statement on incidents of racial abuse ahead of West Brom game
Albion's upcoming opponents Rotherham United have said they are aware of “some recent isolated incidents of racial abuse by a small minority” of their supporters at their matches.
The Championship club said they had “decided to take extra measures in identifying anyone responsible for this type of behaviour” in the wake of the incidents at both home and away games.
The club said in a statement: “Anyone proven to have used racially abusive language will receive a lifetime ban from Rotherham United.
“And we will provide any assistance necessary to South Yorkshire Police to assist them in securing criminal convictions.
“For away matches we will contact the opposing club and agree what measures are required as well as provide them with any relevant intelligence that we feel is necessary.”
The club urged supporters to report incidents of abuse, saying: “We would welcome as much information as possible stating the stand, row, seat and description of the person as well as the comments that they have made.”
It added: “We welcome the co-operation of all of our supporters in assisting us to eradicate this problem and we know the majority will be appalled by the actions of a few individuals who we do not want following our club.”
Rotherham’s statement comes ahead of Albion’s trip to the New York Stadium this Saturday.
Darren Moore is one of the most high-profile black managers in the country, and last week called for everyone in football to help deal with racism following incidents in the Premier League.
“I’m calling for all of us to take a shared responsibility and stamp this problem out,” said Moore. “While it’s dominating the news, let’s come together in putting our foot forward and eradicating the problem once and for all for every single club.”
Moore thought he was the subject of monkey chants at Rotherham United while playing for the Baggies in November 2001, although the fans said they were singing about Millers player Andy Monkhouse.
