Exeter Chiefs have identified the man accused of hurling racist abuse at former England international Ugo Monye – and police are investigating having been handed CCTV footage.
Exeter chairman Tony Rowe declined to comment on the investigation, but i understands the man to be questioned by police is in his early 40s, of mixed-race and was on holiday from his home in South Africa.
Monye was working at Sandy Park as part of the TNT Sports team when he was abused following the end of the match, which Exeter won 25-24.
The TV pundit posted on X/Twitter that he experienced “the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game”.
In a statement the Devon rugby club said: “The incident was captured on CCTV and this evidence along with all relevant information has been passed to Devon and Cornwall Police and the club will continue to work closely with the authorities to support their investigations.
“We would like to say a big thank you to the huge number of people who have been in contact with the club with statements and information regarding the incident. We know that this behaviour is not representative of our fans.
“Exeter Chiefs have a zero-tolerance policy for behaviour of this kind, and we have acted as quickly as possible to ensure that this has been dealt with following the advice of all appropriate authorities.”
After the match, former Harlequins back Monye added his anger at the lack of action by supporters during the incident: “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘n***a, n***a’, disgraceful.
“Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me, ‘We’re with you’. Bollocks you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. [I’m] so fed up.”
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed it is investigating the incident.
Superintendent Antony Hart said: “We have been made aware of an incident which happened on Sunday 19 November at Sandy Park in Exeter.
“We are working with the club and our enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.
“We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and we will not tolerate this behaviour.”
