Ugo Monye subjected to ‘blatant racism’ at Sandy Park as Exeter open ‘full investigation’
Rugby pundit Ugo Monye.
Former England international Ugo Monye has been left seething after being subjected to “blatant racism” at a Premiership game between Exeter and Gloucester.
The Harlequins legend, now a pundit for TNT Sports, was working at the match at Sandy Park on Sunday and found himself on the receiving end of a comment.
Monye, 40, was leaving the stadium when the racist slur was used and understandably the former British and Irish Lions finisher did not hide his anger on X.
Blatant racism
“Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘N*gga, N*gga’… disgraceful,” he wrote in a post on the social media platform.
“Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.”
Monye continued with a further tweet, adding: “He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me ‘We’re with you’ BOLLOCKS you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up.”
https://twitter.com/ugomonye/status/1726288438356513181
There was widespread shock and dismay for Monye amongst the replies to his post as the rugby community has been left stunned by what he has been subjected to.
“This is appalling and we will be launching an immediate investigation,” was Exeter‘s reply to Monye on X, formerly Twitter, before issuing a full statement.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour at our Rugby Club and can only apologise to you Ugo, that you experienced it at Sandy Park.”
Exeter statement
As mentioned, Exeter swiftly released a statement on their website saying they will be undertaking a “full investigation” and the behaviour “will not be tolerated”.
“In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter Rugby Club will be launching a full investigation,” it read.
“This behaviour will not be tolerated at our Rugby Club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
“Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community that is highly respected by everyone at our club.
“If anyone has any information regarding this incident we would ask you to get in touch with the Chiefs as soon as you can.”
Premiership Rugby also offered support to Monye and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“Premiership Rugby is aware of the accusations of racist abuse suffered by Ugo Monye at Sandy Park following the Exeter match against Gloucester,” read their statement.
“Premiership Rugby offers our full support to Ugo Monye and we stand united with our clubs and players in the fight against racism. Racism has absolutely no place in our game or society.
“Exeter have launched a full investigation and we urge anyone with any information to come forward.”
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