ASTON VILLA have slammed a section of their own fans for singing a racist chant about Marvelous Nakamba. The song was heard during the 5-1 win over Norwich, with footage shared online. Villa’s club statement read: “Aston Villa is disgusted and appalled by footage circulating on social media of supporters chanting a racist song which […]
ASTON VILLA have slammed a section of their own fans for singing a racist chant about Marvelous Nakamba.
The song was heard during the 5-1 win over Norwich, with footage shared online.
Villa’s club statement read: “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.”
Club statement: Response to racist chanting
https://t.co/buPYizliPs#AVFC pic.twitter.com/U8NgWS4Hl0
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 7, 2019
And the Supporters’ Trust issued a statement to condemn the behaviour and confirm that the club had been told.
It read: “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 and age.
“Racist stereotypes are never acceptable. Hiding so-called support behind such words are reprehensible and condemned by all decent Villa supporters.
“We will be contacting the club regarding the issue and we will be working closely with them to ensure that it is addressed swiftly.”
Villa supporters also criticised the chant on social media as the fan base tries to stamp out the behaviour.
Anti-racism charity Kick It Out has also been contacted, while Stan Collymore also addressed the storm on Twitter.
The former Villa star pointed out that a similar incident had occurred towards the end of last season involving Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham.
He tweeted: “There was a warning after Tammy about doing this, and it’s not one or two.
“Time for @AVFCOfficial to say something. We’re a multicultural club, full stop.”
Dean Smith’s Villans hammered the Canaries in an impressive performance against their relegation rivals.
Wesley’s double was added to by Jack Grealish, Conor Hourihane and Douglas Luiz in a brilliant attacking display.
