Birmingham City FC captain Troy Deeney racially abused by home supporter

A police investigation has been launched into an incident involving racial abuse levelled against footballer Troy Deeney at the Birmingham City game against Cardiff City at St Andrews last night (14 February).

The allegations involve racial abuse aimed at Birmingham City captain Troy Deeney, 34, by a fan in the home section of a stand as the players were leaving the field.

The horrendous racist slurs – heard from the home section of the Gil Merrick lower stand – were reported to the authorities by fans and by the victim.

Deeney was appalled by the racist insults, which he heard as he was walking off the pitch and entering the tunnel, and said “certain football fans” lack “education and respect”.

The football club issued a statement following the shocking incident: “Blues gives its full support to Troy and is appalled and saddened that yet again, one of our players is not safe from discrimination on the football pitch.

“There is no room for racism in the game.”

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and officers are working with Birmingham City FC and reviewing CCTV footage.

A police spokesperson, said: “There is no place for racism in football or society in general.”

Lat night’s deplorable incident directed at Deeney comes hot on the heels of the racist abuse suffered by Birmingham City goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge.

Etheridge was visibly shaken during an FA Cup tie match at Blackburn Rovers on 28 January where he was the victim of racist abuse from a home supporter.