Rhys Williams allegedly racially abused in Swansea City's draw
Liverpool star Rhys Williams allegedly suffers racial abuse from Luton Town supporter while on loan with Swansea City as Bedfordshire Police launch investigation into incident during 3-3 draw at Kenilworth Road
- Rhys Williams was allegedly racially abused by a Luton Town fan on Saturday
- The incident occurred towards the end of Swansea City’s 3-3 draw with Luton
- An official report was made to match official Tony Harrington and the police
- Both clubs have condemned the abuse and have offered their full support
- Two Birmingham City fans were also arrested after an allegation of racist abuse
Bedfordshire Police have launched an investigation after Swansea City defender allegedly suffered racist abuse from a Luton Town supporter during their 3-3 draw on Saturday.
The centre back, who has been loaned out to the South Wales club by Liverpool for the season, was substituted at half-time with the visitors trailing 3-0.
The club have said that an official report was made to match official Tony Harrington and Bedfordshire Police.
Rhys Williams was allegedly racially abused by a Luton Town fan towards the end of their draw
Bedfordshire Police have launched a full investigation into the incident and Swansea thanked them and Luton Town for their swift response to the allegation.
In a statement on the club website, Swansea said: ‘Towards the end of today’s Championship fixture against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, an allegation of racial abuse was made over comments made towards Swansea City’s Rhys Williams from a home spectator.
‘Swansea City condemns racism and abuse of all kinds because it has no place within football or any walk of life.
‘The club would like to place on record its thanks to both Bedfordshire Police and Luton Town Football Club for their swift response at the end of the game.
The Swansea City centre back was substituted at half-time with the visitors trailing 3-0
SWANSEA CITY FULL STATEMENT
Towards the end of today’s Championship fixture against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, an allegation of racial abuse was made over comments made towards Swansea City’s Rhys Williams from a home spectator.
An official report was filed with the match official, Tony Harrington, and Bedfordshire Police at full-time.
Swansea City condemns racism and abuse of all kinds because it has no place within football or any walk of life.
The club would like to place on record its thanks to both Bedfordshire Police and Luton Town Football Club for their swift response at the end of the game.
Bedfordshire Police has launched a full investigation into the incident. Officers have been to the ground to carry out enquiries and are working with Luton Town to identify the people involved.
Rhys has the full backing of everyone at the football club and we are in dialogue with his parent club Liverpool with regards to ensuring the player has all the support he needs.
Swansea City will continue to work with the relevant authorities on this matter.
‘Bedfordshire Police has launched a full investigation into the incident. Officers have been to the ground to carry out enquiries and are working with Luton Town to identify the people involved.
‘Rhys has the full backing of everyone at the football club and we are in dialogue with his parent club Liverpool with regards to ensuring the player has all the support he needs.
Both clubs have condemned the alleged racial abuse directed at Williams during the game
‘Swansea City will continue to work with the relevant authorities on this matter.’
Luton also responded to the allegation, stating that the club ‘abhors racism’ and is proud of its record in fighting it.
In a club statement they said: ‘Luton Town abhors racism and with our stadium situated in one of the most racially and culturally diverse areas of the country, we are proud of our historical record in fighting it.
‘The Club has, and always will have, a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind.
‘It is not acceptable towards anyone in football or wider society, either online or in person, and we will continue to work with the Police with their enquiries in this matter.
‘We are also offering Rhys and Swansea our full support.
‘Any person found to have made discriminatory comments will have the strictest sanctions imposed by the Club, and will not be welcome back at Kenilworth Road.’
Rhys Williams joined Swansea in the summer on loan after a fine campaign with Liverpool
His parent club responded to the Swans’ statement offering Williams their support
LUTON TOWN FULL STATEMENT
Luton Town Football Club is aware of an allegation made of a racist comment aimed at Swansea City defender Rhys Williams by a spectator during today’s game at Kenilworth Road.
The allegation is currently being investigated by Club officials, in co-operation with Swansea City and Bedfordshire Police.
Luton Town abhors racism and with our stadium situated in one of the most racially and culturally diverse areas of the country, we are proud of our historical record in fighting it.
The Club has, and always will have, a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind. It is not acceptable towards anyone in football or wider society, either online or in person, and we will continue to work with the Police with their enquiries in this matter. We are also offering Rhys and Swansea our full support.
Any person found to have made discriminatory comments will have the strictest sanctions imposed by the Club, and will not be welcome back at Kenilworth Road.
Williams’s parent club Liverpool took to Twitter to express their support for their loanee who rescued the side during an injury-marred 2020-21 season.
Two more incidents of alleged racism occurred on Saturday, with two Birmingham City fans arrested following an allegation of racist abuse aimed at Peterborough United captain Nathan Thompson.
Meanwhile north of the border, Kelty Hearts say that an investigation is being carried out into racial abuse directed at striker Nathan Austin during their League 2 win against Albion Rover.
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