Hampshire Police have launched an investigation after an assistant referee was allegedly subjected to racist abuse during a recent Championship football match at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. The incident occurred during the game between Portsmouth and Oxford United, leading to a temporary halt in play in the 77th minute.
The alleged racist remarks towards the linesman were believed to have originated from Block E or F in the North Lower section of the stadium, where more than 20,000 spectators were in attendance for the 1-1 draw. Following the incident, an announcement was made over the tannoy system, warning the fans.
In response to the situation, Portsmouth FC released a statement condemning the abuse and emphasising that racism has no place in football or society at large. The club appealed for information regarding the incident and vowed to ban the individual responsible for the discriminatory behaviour from attending future matches at Fratton Park.
After the match, Portsmouth FC officials held discussions with the match officials and initiated an internal investigation, which includes a review of CCTV footage from the area where the abuse took place. The matter has also been reported to The Football Association for further action.
Moreover, Hampshire Police has confirmed that they are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward. The police spokesperson stated that a report of racial abuse towards a referee’s assistant had been received, and investigations are ongoing.
This incident adds to the ongoing issue of racism in football, with various cases of abuse and discrimination making headlines worldwide. Kick It Out, the anti-racism football charity, reported a record number of 1,332 incidents in the 2023/24 season, highlighting the urgent need for action and consequences against such behaviour.
In a separate incident, Italian footballer Marco Curto received a 10-match ban from Fifa for racially abusing a Wolves player during a pre-season friendly match while playing for Como football club.
Individuals with information regarding the racist abuse at Fratton Park are encouraged to contact Portsmouth FC via email at info@pompeyfc.co.uk or call Hampshire Police on 101, quoting the crime reference number ‘44240432868’. The football community continues to work towards eradicating racism and promoting inclusivity within the sport.