Former Aberdeen goalkeeper Jason Brown has claimed he was racially abused while playing for Conference side Dartford against Bristol Rovers last night.
The 32-year-old complained to the referee about the incident during the second half of the match at the Memorial Stadium, which Rovers won 1-0.
Brown said on Twitter: “Just played against Bristol Rovers and was racially abused by someone who was standing next to a steward who chose not to do anything.
Just played against Bristol rovers and was racially abused by someone who was standing next to a steward who chose not to do anything!
— Jason Brown (@j_browny32) October 7, 2014
“I reported it to the ref and pointed at the person who was doing it and surprise surprise nothing was done.
I reported it to the ref and pointed at the person who was doing it and surprise surprise no done anything!
— Jason Brown (@j_browny32) October 7, 2014
“The supporter was not ejected. He was allowed to walk out like nothing happened.
The supporter was not ejected he was allowed to walk out like nothing happened
— Jason Brown (@j_browny32) October 7, 2014
“I ask any Bristol Rovers fan that knows this idiot and the steward – please go and report him. Please don’t let him bring down your fantastic club.”
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said they have launched an investigation into the incident. He said: “Officers spoke to the goalkeeper after the game and took a statement from him.”
Bristol Rovers have said they are working with the police to identify the suspect.
A statement said: “Bristol Rovers operates a zero tolerance approach to abusive behaviour and, after all of our efforts to eliminate racial abuse from the Memorial Stadium, we are devastated at last night’s incident.
“A small minority of so-called supporters are bringing our club into disrepute and we run the risk of attracting a punishment from the Football Association should we continue to experience problems such as this.”
The former Wales international joined Aberdeen in July 2011 and was released in January 2013 after falling out of favour with manager Craig Brown, this morning he has thanked fans for the support they have shown him.
I really and truly appreciate all the support I am getting not only from my own supporter's but from #brfc
— Jason Brown (@j_browny32) October 7, 2014