CCTV viewed in racist football chant probe

This article is published in today's Leicester Mercury:

CCTV viewed in racist football chant probe

Police investigating alleged racist chants aimed at Leicester's Asian community at an FA Cup tie between Leicester and Nottingham Forest on Saturday are treating the incident as a hate crime.

Video clips posted on YouTube show a group of home fans aiming insults at Leicester City supporters inside and outside Forest's City Ground.

Two Forest fans, who could face lifetime bans, were thrown out after stewards intervened and alerted the police but they were not arrested.

Police said none of the 11 people arrested at the match were detained for alleged racist remarks but stressed investigations were continuing.

Superintendent Mark Holland of Nottinghamshire police said: "The incident is being treated as a hate crime and we are reviewing CCTV footage and following up on a number of lines of inquiry.

"We take all reports of racism very seriously."

The chanting has sparked a heated debate on fans forums which largely condemn those responsible.

Prith Singh, a City season ticket holder born in Leicester and who grew up in the shadow of Filbert Street, started one thread on the Foxes Talk forum.

He said: "I heard the racist chants in the City ground and I was subjected to abuse outside the ground when I was leaving."

He said: "We all like a bit of banter, but racist and homophobic chanting is derogatory and should not be allowed in 2012. Firm action must be taken."

Fellow City fan Kevin Coe, 44, from St Andrew's, Leicester, said: "It was disgusting and must be stamped out. I hope those responsible are banned. I was with my mate who is Asian and he and his son were visibly upset."

Leicester author and keen Liverpool supporter Bali Rai joined the debate on Twitter and said: "Racist issues in football are receiving high profile in the media at the moment. I have no time for racist chants."

Editor of The Fox Fanzine Gary Silke, who has followed City for 37 years, was at the game but did not hear the chants.

He said: "Racist chants are totally unacceptable but there are always a few idiots who make them. You try to ignore it but it is still bubbling underneath. However, it is a thousand times better than it used to be."

A Forest spokesman said: "Nottingham Forest have zero tolerance attitude towards any inappropriate language at The City Ground.

"Any incidents of racial or abusive language reported to us during the game against Leicester City were dealt with immediately and the necessary action was taken."The club will work with the police and continue to investigate any incidents reported. We support all police prosecutions where alleged racism is involved."

He said: "Our stewards identified two men who were allegedly making racist chants and they were removed."

The third round match ended in a 0-0 draw and the replay will be at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday January 18.