Farley asks for CCTV in hunt for racist
EXETER City bosses say they will use CCTV footage to try to identify a racist fan who was heard making monkey chants towards black players at a recent game.
Club supporters and workers have so far failed to find out who the man is, even though they believe they have a photo of him.
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Frances Farley
As revealed in yesterday's Echo, City fans heard the man's racist chanting at last weekend's match at Bournemouth and wrote to club bosses to complain. But the offender does not appear to be a regular at away games, so operations director Frances Farley has said she will ask Bournemouth for their CCTV footage.
Mrs Farley mentioned the matter to police and the club's safety officer at a meeting about another matter yesterday but officers are not pursuing it. It has also not been reported to police in Bournemouth.
"I'm asking the club for their CCTV tape to see if we can get further information and evidence," Mrs Farley said.
"I want to be able to prosecute this man, so even though we have identified him, our investigation is still ongoing."
Bournemouth fielded two black players during Saturday's match at Dean Court, Marvin Bartley and Ricky Sappleton.
Exeter had two black players in their squad, Richard Logan and unused substitute Emmanuel Panther.
5 Comments
by Nigel M, Cullompton
Friday, August 29 2008, 7:03PM
“Paul, it's rather irrelevant whether or not you or your girlfriend heard it (I'm sure there's a lot more you also missed) - and be thankfull that you are able to go to away matches - many of us aren't.. The fact that some fans heard and saw this person's behaviour and were rightly offended means that it should be investigated. Also (as I had suggested to Paul) other types of personal abuse should be reported and investigated.
PS I don't sit, never have done, never will - started in the cowshed and will finish on the big bank”
by Paul Yard, Exeter
Friday, August 29 2008, 4:19PM
“Nigel or Bernadette where you at the game? If not "sit down shut up"!! I was there with my girlfriend she heard nothing as did I !!! just booing and hoof!!! Joke of a story”
by Nigel m, Cullompton
Friday, August 29 2008, 3:45PM
“I'm with Bernadette on this one - and the fact that City fans made the complaint rather than Bournemouth is a good thing.
Meanwhile, Mike, if you hear offensive language - especially of the type you mention rather than the general profanity that language is littered with today - then complain, preferrably there and then to a steward or police officer.”
by Bernadette, Exeter
Friday, August 29 2008, 3:25PM
“When does it become worth the hassle? When it's 2 fans? 5? 20? The club received complaints and so have a duty to act. Having heard the monkey noises that were being made, I'm glad the club are doing something and not just sweeping it under the carpet. One racist fan is one too many.”
by Mike Parsons, Exeter
Friday, August 29 2008, 1:08PM
“Is it really worth the time, money and hassle to identify ONE fan? There is no doubt in my mind that this is a PR exercise to show both clubs in a good light, rather than trying to find a racist City fan. Far worse things get shouted at players about their families that doesn't get a mention but as soon as a skin colour is the main issue, an almost military style exercise is carried out to find the perpetrator. Get it in perspective, it was a single fan shouting racist abuse at a club in Dorset, hardly worth getting over excited about!”