Boro supporters' group stage anti-racism protest
Middlesbrough fans held an anti-racism protest march prior to their ‘Season of Action’ game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (14 December).
The protest came after the Police began investigating claims a minority of Boro fans ripped up copies of the Qu’ran – the holy text of Islam – during the team’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s last week.
A number of supporters have had their memberships suspended by the club as the Police investigation continues.
Ahead of the home game against Brighton, Boro supporters’ group, the Red Faction, staged an anti-racist protest march to the Riverside Stadium, starting from Cineworld Car Park in Middlesbrough.
More than 100 fans took part in the protest, chanting anti-racist songs.
Protester Darren Wardell, 41, from Acklam, said he felt a “bit ashamed” when he heard of the allegations and wanted to “come out and make up the numbers”.
As reported, two Middlesbrough fans have now been suspended from matches while police continue to investigate the claims of what West Midlands Police described as a “hate crime”.
A spokesman for Boro said the club would ban anyone convicted of the crime from the Riverside Stadium for life.
He added the club operates a “zero-tolerance policy” towards all forms of discrimination and is a strong supporter of football’s pledge to “eradicate racism in all its forms”.
Anyone with information relating to the allegations at Birmingham should call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
From Gazette Live