Former England winger Ugo Monye has revealed he was targeted by "disgusting" racial abuse by a fan following Exeter Chiefs' win over Gloucester on Sunday night as he issued a furious message to fellow supporters for not stepping in to stop it.
The 40-year-old was on co-commentary duty for TNT Sports at Sandy Park as the Chiefs snatched a last-gasp victory, but was left disgusted as he left the ground and overheard "the most blatant racism" from a member of the crowd. He alleges the supporter repeatedly shouted a racial slur while those around him did nothing.
While the fan then became involved in a "mild scuffle", he walked away as others came up to Monye to comfort him. However, the ex-Harlequins star was left "so fed up" by the crowd's inaction and took to X shortly after the incident to vent his frustration.
READ MORE: Wales and Gloucester star Louis Rees-Zammit lined up by two French clubs for big-money move
READ MORE: Alun Wyn Jones' poignant last message as he finally heads home for good after living his dream
"Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting 'N****, N****'," he wrote. "Disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
"He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me 'We’re with you'," he added. "B****** you’re with me. You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up"
Exeter Chiefs have since released a statement condemning the incident, with the club saying they will launch a full investigation as they attempt to identify the person responsible. They also apologised to Monye, describing him as "highly respected by everyone" at the club.
"In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester Rugby in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter Rugby Club will be launching a full investigation," it read. "This behaviour will not be tolerated at our Rugby Club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms."
"Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community that is highly respected by everyone at our club. If anyone has any information regarding this incident we would ask you to get in touch with the Chiefs as soon as you can."
Gloucester also rushed to support Monye and condemned the incident, with a statement posted on X reading: "Gloucester Rugby would like to express, in the strongest of terms, its full support of @ugomonye. We encourage a thorough investigation and will cooperate fully to ensure the culprit is identified. Racism has no place anywhere - including in our sport."
