BRISTOL – English Championship club Bristol City are investigating allegations of racist language used by their fans during their 3-0 away defeat against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Saturday's incident occurred on the same day an English FA Cup fourth qualifying round match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned due to alleged racist abuse suffered by Haringey's players.
"Bristol City are a family club which celebrates diversity and inclusivity... the club naturally condemns any form of abuse or racist language," the club, who play in the second tier in England, said in a statement https://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/club-statement-2 on their website on Sunday.
"Action will be taken against anyone behaving in a racist manner at a Bristol City match, who has purchased their ticket or season card through the club as well as reporting them to the relevant authorities.
"The club are now fully investigating these reports and can assure supporters that appropriate action will be taken."
Luton said https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2019/october/bristol-city-statement that they would support any investigation undertaken by Bristol City and the authorities.
Meanwhile, British media reported that the Metropolitan Police were investigating the allegations by Haringey after the alleged incidents at Coles Park Stadium.
The English FA said that it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations of discrimination in that game and has promised to respond.
[1/2] We are deeply concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd towards a player during the FA Cup fourth round qualifying match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town, which resulted in the fixture being abandoned.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 19, 2019
[2/2] There is no room for discrimination in our game and we are working with the match officials and the relevant authorities, as a matter of urgency, to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps.
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) October 19, 2019
England's black players were subjected to racist abuse during a Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on Monday.
Bulgaria boss Krasimir Balakov and football union president Borislav Mihaylov both resigned in the wake of the match, while police in the country have made several arrests.