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Last Updated:  Tuesday, 25 February, 2003, 19:16 GMT
Barry to lodge racism complaint
Barry goalkeeper Abi Baruwa
Barry goalkeeper Abi Baruwa claims he was racially abused
Barry Town will ask Welsh Premier officials to investigate the alleged racist and unruly behaviour of Bangor City fans during Saturday's match.

The league champions claim they have four grounds of complaint:

  • the racial abuse directed at their Nigerian goalkeeper Abi Baruwa
  • a spectator confronting the goalkeeper during the match
  • a bottle being thrown onto the pitch
  • and fans coming on at the final whistle before the players had left the pitch

    Baruwa said he found the chants deeply upsetting and manager Kenny Brown described the abuse as the worst he had ever witnessed in football.

    "It was a very sad day for football," said Brown.

    Welsh Premier secretary John Deakin had already told BBC Sport that Barry's claims of verbal racial abuse would be investigated regardless any official complaint being made.

    He promised that stern action would be taken against Bangor and their supporters if the allegations are proven.

    Barry Town chairman John Fashanu said he was disappointed that Baruwa had been subjected to the allegeded abuse, but added that he was not surprised.

    The referee and the referees' assessors made no comment about the supporters at all
    Bangor City chairman Ken Jones

    "There will always be a minority of thugs, who have obviously targeted Abi because of his colour," Fashanu said.

    "I urge football supporters in Wales to work with stewards and police officers to point out the abusers.

    "I would like a strong statement from Bangor to come out and say that they are against racism - the chairman is a decent man, I understand."

    Bangor have denied knowledge of a major incident during the game, but say they will deal appropriately with any information passed on to them.

    Chairman Ken Jones said: "Our president, police officials and stewards were behind the goal and no racist remarks were heard.

    "Members of the board of the Welsh Premier were present at the game and no comment was made during or after the game.

    "The referee and the referees' assessors made no comment about the supporters at all.

    "The two managers, Mr Peter Davenport and Mr Kenny Brown, together with all the players, spoke together after the game while having refreshments and no comment was made of any kind."

    North Wales Police said they have not received any complaints about the behaviour of the Bangor City fans and no arrests were made.




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