NCFC Report Bassong Racial Abuse Tweets to Police

10 December 2012, 16:25 | Updated: 10 December 2012, 17:22

NCFC have today said they've reported racial abuse on Twitter, aimed at defender Sebastien Bassong, to Norfolk Police.

Four separate incidents of actual or alleged racism towards Norwich defender Sebastien Bassong have been reported to the police, the club have confirmed. 

The allegations relate to Norwich's away matches against Everton on November 24 and the 4-3 win at Swansea on Saturday. A Swansea supporter was released on bail yesterday (Sunday, December 9) after being arrested during the game for allegedly making racist gestures towards Bassong as he celebrated a goal with his team-mates.

Norwich have confirmed the other three cases involved racist messages being sent to the defender on Twitter after both the Swansea match and the 1-1 draw at Everton.

In a statement the club said: "Norwich City regrets to confirm four separate cases involving actual or alleged racist abuse aimed at our defender Sebastien Bassong have been reported to police in the last two weeks.

"Following a complaint made by Sebastien to referee Howard Webb during last Saturday's 4-3 Barclays Premier League win at Swansea, a man in the home section of the crowd was arrested and later charged in relation to alleged racist abuse.

"We would like to thank both Swansea City FC and South Wales Police for their swift and effective handling of this unfortunate incident.''

The statement also confirmed the Twitter abuse aimed at Bassong was being investigated and made the club's position towards any racist behaviour clear; "In the evening following the match a tweet containing racist abuse was sent to Sebastien's twitter account we have this morning passed details of this incident on to Norfolk Police for them to investigate. 

"Meanwhile, Norfolk Police are in the process of investigating two further separate racist tweets about Sebastien sent following our 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, November 24.

"Sebastien Bassong is a fantastic athlete and professional who we are proud to have on board at Norwich City. It is deeply disappointing that his recent excellent performances for the club should be tarnished by these incidents.

"Norwich City Football Club wish to reiterate that we have a zero tolerance stance on racism and will pursue these and any other examples of discrimination aimed at any of our colleagues to the fullest extent of the law.''

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