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Aston Villa condemns fan video containing racist chants

Aston Villa Football Club says those responsible for racist chants directed towards midfielder Marve...


Aston Villa condemns fan video...

Sport

Aston Villa condemns fan video containing racist chants


Aston Villa Football Club says those responsible for racist chants directed towards midfielder Marvelous Nakamba over the weekend will be reported to the police and "dealt with in the strongest possible manner".

Videos emerged on social media following the club's 5-1 against Norwich City of a group of fans singing about the Zimbabwean international, which has alleged references to slavery.

The midfielder joined from Club Brugge over the summer for around €12.3 million (£11 million), and has already made four Premier League appearances for the Birmingham-based club.

In a statement on the club's website, they said:

"Aston Villa is disgusted and appalled by footage circulating on social media of supporters chanting a racist song which makes reference to two of our first-team players.

The club wholly condemns the chant and urges other supporters to help us identify those responsible. 

Chants of this nature besmirch the good name of Aston Villa Football Club and our fans. If the perpetrators are identified they will be dealt with in the strongest manner by the club and be reported to the Police immediately. 

Our security staff will be vigilant at forthcoming games to ensure that anybody attempting repetition of this chant will be dealt with severely.

We know we can rely on the assistance of the majority of our fans to eradicate this toxic behaviour immediately."

The Aston Villa Supporters Trust has also condemned the videos, saying:

"AVST is disappointed to hear about the chanting directed towards Marvelous Nakamba yesterday. It's a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this day and age.

'Racist stereotypes are never acceptable. Hiding so-called support behind such words are reprehensible and are condemned by all decent Villa supporters.

'We will be contacting the club regarding this issue and we will be working closely with them to ensure it is addressed swiftly."



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Aston Villa Marvelous Nakamba Premier League Racism

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