ENGLISH Premiership side Aston Villa yesterday expressed
disgust at a section of the club’s fans who chanted racist songs denigrating
Zimbabwe international Marvelous Nakamba during the team’s 5-1 win over Norwich
on Saturday.
The star who has been a marvel for Villa, a club he joined
from Belgian giants Club Brugge at the beginning of the season, was subject to
taunts in a video that circulated on social media after the victory.
Nakamba had an outstanding performance against Norwich,
getting rave reviews and looked set to clinch the man of the match poll.
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.
“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.”
Anti-racism charity, Kick It Out, an organisation that
challenges discrimination, encourages inclusive practices and work for positive
change in football said: “Important message from @AVFCOfficial the chant is
offensive and completely unacceptable. Fans must understand that racist
stereotypes have no place in football or wider society, and those involved
should face consequences along with the necessary education. #KickItOut.”
Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust also condemned the racial
slurs.
“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 day 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.”
The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (Fuz) joined the list of
those who condemned the racial attacks.
“#MarvelousNakamba is a symbol of strength and beauty,
everything that makes our football and our country wonderful, against
everything that is hateful and unacceptable. Racism and discrimination of any
kind have no place in football. #KickRacismOut.”
A majority of Aston Villa fans took to the social media to
express their disgust at the “few, rogue” elements and called for their bans.
English media extensively covered the nasty incident, The
Sun running with the headline: “Aston Villa ‘disgusted’ by fans’ racist chant
about Marvelous as they slam section of their own supporters.”
The Daily Mail ran
with: “Aston Villa slam fans’ racially-charged chant aimed at Zimbabwean star
Marvelous Nakamba featuring the word ‘rasta’ and references to slavery.”
Mirror’s headline was — “Aston Villa condemn ‘toxic’ fan
behaviour in statement responding to racist chanting.” Chronicle
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