EFL condemns alleged racist incidents

The EFL has described reports of racist incidents at three of its clubs on the same day as “exceptionally disappointing” and promised to “assess and develop” its role in eradicating such behaviour.

An arrest was made during Derby County’s 3-3 draw with Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday after one of the home supporters was accused of committing a racially-aggravated public order offence involving Rams midfielder Duane Holmes.

On the same day, Wigan Athletic winger Nathan Byrne received racist abuse on his personal Twitter account following the Latics’ 2-2 draw at Bristol City, and Northampton Town loanee Timi Elsnik reported an incident in which his team-mates were racially abused ahead of their 2-2 draw at Notts County.

In a statement, the EFL said: “The EFL was saddened, disappointed and angered to hear of further reports of alleged racism following the conclusion of some matches on Saturday afternoon.

Another week, another group of players racially abused.

We won’t stop highlighting this disgraceful behaviour while it remains deeply ingrained within football.

We’ll be liaising with the relevant authorities and offering support to clubs and players involved. #KickItOut pic.twitter.com/d0CyqA9qhE

— Kick It Out (@kickitout) April 6, 2019

“It was exceptionally disappointing that this happened as clubs up and down the country were raising awareness of such issues as part of Kick It Out’s Week of Action.

“We remain fully committed to continuing to work alongside The FA and Premier League as well as other relevant parties to ensure that football provides a welcoming environment for supporters attending matches and those participating in them.

“Our work with all EFL clubs continues and we will assess and develop our role in this area through our established equality code of practice, our league-wide inclusion plan and our ongoing dedicated security operations, enhancing these where necessary.”

The EFL said it would continue to collaborate with anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out to eradicate racism from football.

Kick It Out tweeted: “Another week, another group of players racially abused.

“We won’t stop highlighting this disgraceful behaviour while it remains deeply ingrained within football.

“We’ll be liaising with the relevant authorities and offering support to clubs and players involved.”

Yesterday’s incidents highlight that we still have much work to do at home in tackling racism.

We commend the clubs for their prompt and formal responses.

We will coordinate with the players and clubs involved to offer our full support. pic.twitter.com/InLA2T8bQk

— PFA | Professional Footballers’ Association (@PFA) April 7, 2019

The PFA also posted a tweet, saying: “Yesterday’s incidents highlight that we still have much work to do at home in tackling racism.

“We commend the clubs for their prompt and formal responses.

“We will coordinate with the players and clubs involved to offer our full support.”