Newcastle United vow to pursue ‘strongest possible action’ as racist gesture investigated by police

Alleged racist gesture under investigation from Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur.
A general view inside the stadium as the fans of Newcastle United explain to Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United and Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur.A general view inside the stadium as the fans of Newcastle United explain to Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United and Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur.
A general view inside the stadium as the fans of Newcastle United explain to Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United and Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur.

Northumbria Police are investigating an alleged racist gesture made towards Tottenham Hotspur fans during Sunday’s win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

United welcomed in new owners at the weekend, but were beaten 3-2 by the North London outfit - and the occasion has been further marred by this reported incident.

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A police spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm we are investigating an alleged racist incident during Newcastle United’s home fixture with Tottenham at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

“Enquiries are ongoing with the club to identify anyone involved and ascertain whether criminal offences have been committed.“As a Force, we do not tolerate hate crime of any kind within our communities and are committed to taking swift and robust action against perpetrators.”

Newcastle United have vowed to take the strongest possible action against the alleged perpetrator.

A club statement confirmed: “Newcastle United is aware of an alleged racist gesture made by an individual towards Tottenham Hotspur supporters inside St. James’ Park during Sunday’s match. An investigation is under way and the police have been made aware.

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“Our message is clear - football is for everyone. Discrimination has absolutely no place in football, in the street, online or in wider society and we will not tolerate it under any circumstances.

“Newcastle United will pursue the strongest possible action against anyone involved in discriminatory behaviour and will support any efforts by the authorities to secure a criminal conviction.

“The club is adhering to the Premier League commitment regarding Abusive and Discriminatory conduct, which facilitates the banning of any fan found to have been involved in abusive and/or discriminatory conduct from all Premier League stadia.

“For this alleged incident to take place at a time when all Premier League clubs are visibly supporting the No Room For Racism campaign shows the work we all have ahead of us, to which we remain absolutely committed.

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“If you see discrimination, challenge it, report it, change it. There is no place for abusive or discriminatory conduct anywhere in football; we are United as One.To report discriminatory behaviour at St. James’ Park, please text HELP followed by your seat location and details of the incident to 60070.”