Cole was part of ITV’s punditry team
Police are investigating racist abuse that was directed at former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole during Swindon’s FA Cup third round match with Manchester City.
Swindon have apologised to Cole – who is currently a coach with the England U21s and the Chelsea academy – for the incident which occurred while the 41-year-old was part of ITV’s presentation team at the County Ground on Friday night.
“We are absolutely saddened and deeply disgusted by this,” said Swindon owner Clem Morfuni.
“We cannot stress strongly enough that racial abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.”
He added: “Racism has no place in the world and it is incredibly heart-breaking that this still has a place in our game.
“We are working with Wiltshire Police on gathering evidence but those responsible will be punished accordingly.
“On behalf of everyone at Swindon Town Football Club, we send out our heartfelt apologies to Ashley Cole and it is with our deepest regret that you had to experience that.
“Those few individuals do not represent Swindon Town and will not be welcome at The County Ground.”
CLUB STATEMENT | Swindon Town would like to issue the following statement in regards to reports of racial abuse during our game against @ManCity on Friday night.#STFC 🔴⚪️https://t.co/TmiHxyUNIR
— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) January 8, 2022
The League Two outfit lost 4-1 to the reigning Premier League champions, with Bernardo Silva, Gabriel Jesus, İlkay Gündoğan and youngster Cole Palmer securing the victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
A statement from Wiltshire Police read: “We are aware that one person was subject to racial abuse at the County Ground following the Swindon Town v Manchester City game last night.
“We have already commenced an investigation, obtaining statements and securing CCTV. Further enquiries in relation to this incident are ongoing,.
“Behaviour of this nature is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220002136.”
Related links:
- Jose Mourinho intervenes to stop Roma fans’ ‘racist’ chants at Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Brentford fan arrested for allegedly making homophobic and racist comments
- Ian Wright: AFCON coverage is tinged with racism
