Aston Villa condemn fans' racist chanting during Norwich win
Monday 7 October 2019 19:55, UK
Aston Villa are "disgusted and appalled" by footage circulating on social media of the club's supporters chanting about two of their own players.
The club have asked other supporters to help identify the individuals responsible for the chants, which were recorded during Villa's 5-1 victory over Norwich on Saturday.
It has been widely reported that the offensive chants were about Villa's Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, with references to several racial stereotypes.
Villa said in a statement released on Monday: "Aston Villa is disgusted and appalled by footage circulating on social media of supporters chanting a racist song which makes reference to two of our first-team players.
"The club wholly condemns the chant and urges other supporters to help us identify those responsible.
"Chants of this nature besmirch the good name of Aston Villa Football Club and our fans. If the perpetrators are identified they will be dealt with in the strongest manner by the club and be reported to the police immediately.
"Our security staff will be vigilant at forthcoming games to ensure that anybody attempting repetition of this chant will be dealt with severely.
"We know we can rely on the assistance of the majority of our fans to eradicate this toxic behaviour immediately."
Aston Villa Supporters Trust (AVST) also condemned the footage, describing the song's contents as "a cheap and insulting stereotype", and said they will be liaising with the club.
AVST's statement read: "AVST is disappointed to hear about the chanting directed towards Marvelous Nakamba at the Norwich game. It's a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this day and age.
"Racist stereotypes are never acceptable. Hiding so-called support behind such words (is) reprehensible and (is) condemned by all decent Villa supporters.
"We will be contacting the club regarding the issue and will be working closely with them to ensure that it is addressed swiftly."
Football's authorities have stepped up their efforts to eradicate racist chanting, but the Villa song is the latest in a long list of similar incidents.
West Ham announced last month that they would be banning for life a fan shown chanting racist songs on a video, while Chelsea and Liverpool launched a joint investigation after footage showed a Blues fan chanting alleged racist abuse towards Reds forward Mohamed Salah.
Also last month, Cleveland Police confirmed a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence during Hartlepool's National League clash with Dover.
