Cheltenham Town to investigate reports of ‘homophobic comments’ by fans
CHELTENHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – OCTOBER 04: Danny Wright of Cheltenham Town scores his sides second goal during the EFL Checkatrade Trophy match between Cheltenham Town and Everton at Whaddon Road on October 4, 2016 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Cheltenham Town has launched an investigation into reports of “homophobic comments” by some fans.
The football club said it had launched a “full investigation” into the alleged incident during Saturdays win at Swindon Town.
Cheltenham won 3-0 against Swindon on Saturday in the League Two game at the Country Ground.
After the reports of the “homophobic comments”, the club released a statement saying it had launched an investigation.
It reads: “[The club] is very disappointed to learn of alleged homophobic comments by a small number of individuals during the match.
“We take such matters very seriously and have launched a full investigation to establish all details.”
Adding: “We always promote equality and condemn any discrimination of any type whether by reason of ability or disability; age; gender; gender reassignment; marital status or civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race, nationality or ethnicity; religion or belief; or sexual orientation.
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“The club will take a zero tolerance approach to anyone who is discovered to have made homophobic comments and will act accordingly against any offenders identified.”
Football clubs have struggled around the world to stop fans from using homophobic chants at matches.
And last week authorities were unable to get a football banning order against a fan of Stoke City FC who called a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter a lesbian.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Ryan Shawcross (R) of Stoke is congratulated by teammate Danny Pugh (C) as Glenn Whelan walks on after scoring their third goal during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round match between Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion at Britannia Stadium on February 19, 2011 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Jason Goodwin, a fan of Stoke City FC launched into a tirade against Brighton supporter Carolyn Ansell who joined a bus stop queue with her 14-year-old son.
Goodwin, 29, told Ansell: “Go away you lesbian”, when she entered the bus stop.
(Getty)
Ansell confronted Goodwin and others shouted insults.
He was arrested after she reported his behaviour to the police.
