Portsmouth release official statement over alleged racist comment towards assistant referee
Portsmouth have released an official statement after an alleged racist comment was reported during the second half of the match with Oxford United at Fratton Park.
The statement [Portsmouth FC official website, 5 October] claims a racially aggravated remark was heard in the North Stand of the stadium in the 77th minute, which caused the 1-1 draw to be temporarily stopped.
It is reported that the comment was aimed towards one of the referee’s assistants from either Block E or F in the lower tier of the stand.
An investigation has been launched and the incident is being reported to the FA, while CCTV footage from the area is analysed.
Portsmouth investigating racist incident v Oxford United
Portsmouth are working with supporters present at the game to gather information to help with the investigation.
Supporters are being asked to email any details to [email protected], while the Hampshire Police can be contacted on 101 – quoting the crime reference number ‘44240432868’.
An announcement was made over the PA system at Fratton Park, following which head coach John Mousinho said after the game: “There was something said to the linesman on the far side, and I apologised to the linesman after the game if anything was said, and I know that will be dealt with appropriately” [BBC News, 5 October].
Pompey added in their statement: “Football is for all and racism has no place in society. We all have a role to play in eradicating such behaviour and ensuring that discrimination of any kind is not welcome at Fratton Park.
“Any individual found to have made any racist or homophobic – or any discriminatory – remark will receive a significant ban from attending matches at Fratton Park.”
In other Portsmouth news, David Norris discusses an area of competition in the squad.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.