Darren Fletcher accuses Swansea fans of bowel disease taunts
Thursday 4 February 2016 10:46, UK
Darren Fletcher has claimed Swansea fans taunted him over his career-threatening bowel condition during West Bromwich Albion's 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.
Swansea City, however, told Sky Sports News its officials at the match were unaware of any offensive chants.
The Baggies captain had angered the Swans' travelling fans when he appealed to the referee for a corner after Ki Sung-yeung had gone down with a head injury.
The former Manchester United midfielder could be seen to be talking heatedly to the match official after play was halted while Ki received treatment.
Ki had been injured in a clash with Stephane Sessegnon and had to be taken off on a stretcher with what turned out to be minor concussion.
Fletcher said he later heard chants from the Swansea fans referring to his successful battle against ulcerative colitis, the bowel condition which was first diagnosed in 2008 and which at one point threatened his life, let alone his career.
"I didn't see their player was injured and I was complaining that it should have been a corner to us," Fletcher said about Tuesday's Premier League match, in which Salomon Rondon's late equaliser rescued a draw for the hosts.
"Their fans then gave me a bit of stick about my illness. It's part and parcel of the game. The West Brom fans gave me a bit of support back so I gave them a clap back.
"I didn't see the frustrations. [The Swansea fans] took exception as their lad had what looked like a serious injury but I didn't see him. It's part of the game, I'm big enough to accept it. It's fine by me, it doesn't bother me one bit."
Fletcher lost three stone in weight due to the inflammatory bowel disease and had to have his large intestine removed during three bouts of surgery in 2013.
The Scotland international eventually fought his way back to match fitness and returned to play for United in December 2013, joining West Brom in January 2015 on a free transfer to become a key player for Tony Pulis' side.
Swansea City, however, said its staff were in the away end at the game and had not heard any offensive chants targeted at Fletcher.
Swansea told Sky Sports: "We don't condone any comments made about any illness but are unaware of any comments made."
