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Police investigate racist abuse of Bristol Rovers player
Police are due to speak to Bristol Rovers player Mark Little on Monday after a racist social media message was sent to him over the weekend.
In screengrabs posted by the club, monkey emojis had been written in a reply to a photograph the 32-year-old defender had posted on Instagram.
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On their own social media accounts, Rovers said that “there is no place in sport or society for racism. Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated at Bristol Rovers.”
Footballing rivalry was set aside on Twitter as the official Bristol City account replied: “#BristolCity stands with Mark Little and anybody who has to suffer racism in any shape or form. There is no excuse or justification for this disgusting behaviour.”
Fans of both clubs rallied round the Worcester-born player, who represented England U-19, played for the Robins between 2014 and 2017, and has been at the Gas since 2019.
In a statement issued on Monday, Avon & Somerset Police inspector, Rob Millican, said that the force will be “carrying out a full investigation”.
He said: “Our football liaison officer has made contact with the club and is arranging to speak to the player today to take a statement.
“As part of this investigation, we’ll be contacting the social media company to try and obtain the details of the account holder and the incident will be referred to the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) and Kick It Out.
“There’s no place for any form of racist abuse. It’s abhorrent, unacceptable and will never be tolerated.”
Main photo: JMP
Read more: Schoolchildren learn how football can be used as a vehicle to challenge racism
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