The Metropolitan police has confirmed an arrest was made after Wolves alleged one of their players was subjected to “discriminatory abuse” during Sunday’s game at Crystal Palace.
A police statement said: “On Sunday 3 September, a man aged in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after allegedly racially abusing a player during [the] Crystal Palace v Wolves match at Selhurst Park.”
“He was taken to a south London police station,” the statement added. “Racial abuse will absolutely not be tolerated and officers remain committed to working with the Premier League and clubs to take action against those responsible.”
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Wolves reported the incident, involving an as yet unnamed player, to officials and stadium authorities during the match at Selhurst Park.
A supporter situated in the Main Stand was subsequently ejected from the ground, according to a Crystal Palace statement. The hosts won the Premier League match 3-2.
“During today’s match, it was brought to our attention that a Wolves player reported he received racist abuse from an individual situated in the Main Stand,” the Crystal Palace statement said.
“The Met Police, Premier League and matchday officials were informed and our security team immediately removed the individual from the stadium, where he was detained and arrested. He is now subject to a police investigation. We will of course support that investigation and also conduct our own.
“We are incredibly disappointed that this incident took place today, and offer our sincere apologies and support to the Wolves player involved,” the statement added. “As a club we have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or racist abuse. It has no place in football, nor society.”
A statement from Wolves read: “We are very disappointed to report that one of our players was the target of discriminatory abuse by an opposing fan during today’s game with Crystal Palace.
“We are offering our full support to the player involved and have provided a formal statement to the Metropolitan police. Racism or discrimination in any form is completely unacceptable and should never be left unchallenged.”
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