West Brom respond to complaints over anti-Traveller abuse
West Bromwich Albion have issued a statement in response to reports of fans directing anti-Traveller abuse at Newcastle United players Jonas Gutierrez and Andy Carroll.
The abuse is alleged to have taken place during last week’s (5 December) meeting between the two clubs at the Hawthornes.
The club’s statement reads: “West Bromwich Albion has a long and proud history of embracing and working with minority and emerging communities.
“We have a zero tolerance policy on any form of discrimination, including such chants.
“We are immensely proud of the way our supporters historically have welcomed players from all cultures, dating back from the Three Degrees right through to their recent support of Peter Odemwingie.
“Whilst the game as a whole has come on in leaps and bounds, we recognise this is a constant education process between the football club and our supporters that discrimination comes in different forms.
“We are striving towards this end through the many educational and sporting programmes run by the Albion Foundation that promote inclusion, and by working closely each season with both local and national bodies.
“We will also remind all visitors to The Hawthorns about this message through club channels ahead of our next home game.”