PLYMOUTH Albion could find themselves in hot water after Rams Rugby teenage scrum-half Ollie Monye was subjected to sickening racial abuse during a National One clash.
Monye, who is on loan at the Reading-based Rams from Wasps, was abused by a drunken yob in the second half of the Rams 26-19 win at Brickfields.
Monye, 18, who was educated at the Oratory School and signed a university contract with Wasps, made his first start for the Rams in their win over Leeds Tykes yesterday.
The RFU are set to launch an investigation into the foul-mouthed rant, which was heard by players from both teams last weekend who were quick to point out the lout.
Last night, Albion chief executive Max Venables told us the club has now banned the racist for life.
“It’s a shame that one person can ruin it for everyone. I was horrified when I was told after the game. I found Ollie and made sure he knew that we didn’t think it was acceptable.
“We asked the chap to leave the ground and made sure he knew that he was no longer welcome at Brickfields. We apologise profusely to Ollie and The Rams.
“We asked The Rams if they wanted us to take it any further, and they have said as far as they are concerned the matter is closed. There is no place in life for racism, let alone rugby. Plymouth Albion is an inclusive club, and it’s shocking when it happens on your front door. It’s something that we cannot condone.”
Rams chief executive Gary Reynolds was quick to praise Plymouth’s handling of the incident and backed the lifetime ban.
“This idiot had too much to drink and somehow thought that allowed him to make unfortunate comments about the colour of somebody’s skin.
“The Plymouth boys were brilliant. They made it clear on the pitch that they disapproved, and the Plymouth committee were on it straight away.
“Ollie was very pleased with the way it was dealt with. Everybody knows it is wrong now.
“Nobody tolerates it at all, and I thought Plymouth were first class.
“They couldn’t have been more supportive of Ollie. You just don’t need it in this day and age.”
It’s the latest incident of racism in rugby following on from London Irish’s Albert Tuisue receiving racist abuse on Instagram following a win over Newcastle Falcons last season.
At the RFU, for whom Ollie Monye’s namesake Ugo Monye, is diversity champion, a spokesperson said:
“Racism of any kind is unacceptable. Rugby is a sport that is founded on inclusion and being open to all, however, if one person feels discriminated against, that is one too many, and we want to do everything we can to make sure rugby is inclusive.
“The RFU is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in Rugby Union to raise concerns about any unacceptable practice, behaviour, wrongdoing or misconduct.
“Which is why we have a speak-up policy that has been in place for many years, and we would urge any players, volunteers or supporters to report any form of discrimination so that it can be investigated and action taken.”
By NEIL FISSLER
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