Yahoo Sports Ugo Monye claims he was called 'N-----, N-----' by fan at Exeter Chiefs
Exeter Rugby Club have launched a full investigation after TNT Sports commentator and former England international, Ugo Monye, claims he was racially abused by a fan following the conclusion of their 25-24 victory over Gloucester Rugby.
The former Harlequins, England and British & Irish Lions winger had formed part of the channel’s commentary team at Sandy Park, working alongside Alastair Eykyn and Ben Kay for the ‘Derby Day’ fixture in Devon.
Following the conclusion of the game, however, Monye took to social media channel X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight the incident.
Monye, 40, tweeted: “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting ‘N----, N----...’ disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me ‘We’re with you’. B------s 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.”
Rugby supporters have quickly rallied behind the 40-year-old, who retired from the game in2015 and has since forged a successful career in media, working with the likes of BT Sport, ITV and BBC Five Live Rugby podcast.
Exeter Chiefs were also quick to offer their support by replying to his post to announce they are investigating the matter before releasing a full statement.
“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,” the statement 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.
Its statement read: “Premiership Rugby is aware of the accusations of racist abuse suffered by Ugo Monye at Sandy Park following the Exeter match against Gloucester.
“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.
