Social media users shared a video purportedly showing a Middlesbrough fan doing racial gestures at King Power Stadium.
In a statement, Middlesbrough confirmed that they are looking into a report of racism made by a spectator at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium that occurred in the away end.
On the field, Michael Carrick’s team won 2-1, but the post-match celebrations have been slightly tarnished by a video that has been making the rounds on social media that purports to show a Boro fan making a racist gesture against Leicester City supporters.
After learning about the video, the club issued a statement in which it reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for such behavior and vowed to take the toughest possible legal action against anyone found culpable. They are now conducting an investigation and collaborating with the appropriate authorities to determine who, if anyone, is involved.
“Middlesbrough Football Club is aware of an incident which occurred during yesterday’s game at Leicester City,” the statement from the Boro team stated. In order to identify the person or people responsible, we are looking into this and collaborating with the appropriate authorities.
“We will take the most severe measures to combat racism and all other forms of discriminatory behavior. We have a zero-tolerance policy in place. As an inclusive football team, everyone is welcome and should feel safe.”
The actions shown in the video were also denounced by the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum. The fans’ forum, which unites various supporters’ organizations, posted a statement on social media, stating: “MSF is aware of a video that is circulating that purports to show a Boro fan at Leicester using racist language/behavior.
We categorically denounce any kind of discriminatory or racist behavior. The club has been informed of this video and is currently looking into it. Reporting instances of discriminatory conduct can be done by email at supporters@mfc.co.uk or by texting 07340 718965 on matchdays.”
