Aston Villa "disgusted" by racist chant about Marvelous Nakamba
7 October 2019, 17:24
Aston Villa said they are "disgusted and appalled" at social media footage which appear to show fans "chanting a racist song" at Marvelous Nakamba.
A video has emerged appearing to show Aston Villa fans singing a racist song that "makes reference to first team players" Marvelous Nakamba and one other player.
The clip shows Aston Villa supporters singing about the Zimbabwean midfielder with references to several racial stereotypes following their 5-1 won at Norwich.
In a statement, Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa is disgusted and appalled by footage circulating on social media of supporters chanting a racist song which makes reference to two of our first-team players."
"The club wholly condemns the chant and urges other supporters to help us identify those responsible."
"Chants of this nature besmirch the good name of Aston Villa Football Club and our fans. If the perpetrators are identified they will be dealt with in the strongest manner by the club and be reported to the Police immediately."
They continued: "Our security staff will be vigilant at forthcoming games to ensure that anybody attempting repetition of this chant will be dealt with severely."
"We know we can rely on the assistance of the majority of our fans to eradicate this toxic behaviour immediately."
The Supporters Trust issued a statement saying: "AVST is disappointed to hear about the chanting directed towards Marvelous Nakamba yesterday. It’s a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this and age."
"Racist stereotypes are never acceptable. Hiding so-called support behind such words are reprehensible and condemned by all decent Villa supporters."
"We will be contacting the club regarding the issue and we will be working closely with them to ensure that it is addressed swiftly."
Aston Villa supporters also criticised the chant on social media as the fan base tries to stamp out the behaviour.
Football's authorities have stepped up their efforts to eradicate racist chanting, but the Villa song is the latest in a long list of similar incidents.
West Ham announced last month that they would be banning for life a fan shown chanting anti-semitic songs on a video, while Chelsea and Liverpool launched a joint investigation after footage showed a Blues fan chanting alleged racist abuse towards Reds forward Mohamed Salah.
Also last month, Cleveland Police confirmed a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence during Hartlepool's National League clash with Dover.
Leicester's Hamza Choudhury was racially abused online after a challenge which injured Salah late in Liverpool's win at Anfield on Saturday.
And England boss Gareth Southgate has warned his players could be subjected to racist abuse during next Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after Raheem Sterling was targeted by a fan at Wembley last month in the first meeting between the two countries.
