Police are investigating Ugo Monye's accusation of racist abuse by a supporter following an appearance he made as a pundit at Exeter vs Gloucester on Sunday.
In a new development on Monday morning, it was confirmed that the local police service were now involved in the matter after voices across English rugby showed support for Monye.
“We have been made aware of an incident which happened on Sunday 19 November at Sandy Park in Exeter,” Supt Antony Hart from Devon and Cornwall Police said.
“Our enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.
“We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and we will not tolerate this behaviour.”
The former England winger, now working for TNT Sports, said that the incident came as he was leaving Sandy Park, adding that: “not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it,” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that came shortly after full time on Sunday.
Exeter promptly responded to the post, replying: “This is appalling and we will be launching an immediate investigation.
“We will not tolerate this behaviour at our Rugby Club and can only apologise to you Ugo, that you experienced it at Sandy Park.”
Monye also shared his frustration that help from other fans had only come his way after the abuse had been allowed to happen seemingly unchecked.
“You weren't with me when you saw the most blatant racism I've seen from a supporter at a live game,” he added in a reply to his original post. “So fed up.”
This is far from the first time the Harlequins legend has suffered abuse, and he regularly points this out in posts and replies following instances when he has been targeted on social media.
A Premiership Rugby statement read: “Premiership Rugby offers our full support to Ugo Monye and we stand united with our clubs and players in the fight against racism.
“Racism has absolutely no place in our game or society…we urge anyone with any information to come forward.”
In addition to condemnation of the abuse from Exeter, Premiership Rugby and Gloucester (above), the RFU also made a statement on Monday morning.
It read: “We are appalled by the racist abuse Ugo Monye faced following the Exeter Chiefs game against Gloucester.
“Ugo is a great champion of rugby, inclusion, and diversity; he has our full support. Racism cannot be accepted in our sport.
“Rugby authorities, clubs, fans, players and volunteers must all act consistently and without tolerance to any form of abuse or discrimination.”
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