Bristol Rovers criticised after signing Jevani Brown

Bristol Rovers are facing criticism from many of their own fans for signing a striker who has pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman.

Jevani Brown has been signed by Rovers on a two-year deal following his release by Exeter City.

The 28-year-old was suspended by Exeter in February and has not played since after being charged with assaulting two women.

Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting one woman by beating during an incident in Exeter city centre on February 2.

The footballer denied a second identical charge against a second female on the same date. He is set to appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on July 7.

Rovers manager Joey Barton, who was cleared of assaulting his wife in October 2022, has called Brown “an exciting talent” who “will bring another dimension to our team”.

Social media posts introducing the Gas’ newest player have attracted hundreds of comments, with one person writing the move is “not a good look for our club”.

When contacted by Bristol24/7, Bristol Rovers declined to comment.

✍️ Jevani Brown Signs For Rovers.#BristolRovers pic.twitter.com/zUt6iEAMDG

— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) June 26, 2023

“Great signing, if a tad controversial,” one Twitter user wrote.

“From the footballing point of view, having two creative players like Brown and Collins should make for a really exciting season.

“The optics of a family club being in the news for the wrong reasons is definitely not great, though.”

Another wrote: “I’m extremely uncomfortable with this signing by #BristolRovers. The Joey Barton era has made it very hard for me to maintain affection for the club I’ve supported my whole life, and this just makes a bad situation worse.”

@allsportjoe added: “Women just aren’t welcome in football are they? Let’s stop kidding ourselves, loads of clubs do lots of fluffy gestures every now and then, but when it comes down to it, players like Jevani Brown can still make a career because they kick the ball good.”

Brown scored 14 goals in 32 games for Exeter in League One last season and has a total of 75 goals in his career, which has seen him play for more than a dozen clubs including Cambridge United, Colchester United and Forest Green Rovers.

A statement from #HerGameToo. pic.twitter.com/el7tvNMnib

— Her Game Too (@HerGameToo) June 26, 2023

Award-winning campaign Her Game Too said it was “aware of the signing of Jevani Brown by Bristol Rovers and the initial reaction to this news”.

“As this is a live legal case, we are unable to comment on the matter.

“However, we can confirm that in due course, once the case has concluded, we will make a decision on what this means for our partnership with Bristol Rovers FC.

“We will remain in dialogue with the club throughout the process and provide further comment if required in due course.

“We will also continue to support the great work that goes on with Bristol Rovers Community Trust and the Gas Girls.”

Her Game Too aims to combat sexism within sport and was co-founded by Rovers fan Caz May.

Main photo: Bristol Rovers

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