Nick Ware

Mon 20 September 2021 19:02, UK

PC Paul Elliott has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into alleged racism at West Brom defender Darnell Furlong on Saturday.

Elliott runs the PNE Police Twitter account which provides police advice on Preston North End Football Club and events surrounding them.

He was asked on Monday evening by a West Brom fan whether they were investigating alleged racist taunts directed towards Albion right-back Furlong at Deepdale two days ago.

The “monkey taunts” were said to be directed from a Preston fan, with Furlong being restrained by club staff.

“I’m aware of an alleged incident and I’ve been in contact with the club,” PNE Police replied on Twitter.

Disgusting

Unfortunately, this does not even come as a great surprise, which is sickening to say by itself.

While efforts are being made to eradicate racism from the game, there have been countless examples in recent months that have shown that the stain remains.

The most high-profile case this year was probably that of the England national team, after Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were subjected to horrendous racial abuse online after missing penalties in the European Championship final against Italy.

While this investigation into the incident at Deepdale looks to be in the early stages, and nothing has been confirmed, or anyone charged, the game has been brought into disrepute yet again by the ugly subject of racism.

The West Brom fan’s account suggests Furlong was incredibly hurt, or angered, by the alleged racist taunt from a Preston “fan”.

Of course, we hope that the police and club can get to the bottom of this incident and that justice will be served.

Hopefully, Furlong gets all the support he needs after such a horrible episode.

In other West Brom news, journalist stunned by ‘Massive’ Albion ace incident v Preston.

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