As clubs across the country come together to mark the EFL Together Against Racism campaign, Bristol Rovers FC would like to place on record our gratitude to supporters for their vigilance against acts of discriminatory behaviour.
Record-high levels of discrimination were reported to Kick It Out in the 2024/25 season with 245 incidents of racist abuse being reported in the professional game.
Bristol Rovers stands firm and resolute in our stance that there is no room for racism – or indeed any form of discrimination – in football and we thank Gasheads far and wide for standing alongside the Club in our campaign to eradicate racist behaviour from our sport, stadiums and society.
One recent incident saw the Club’s reporting systems utilised by Bristol Rovers fans to share evidence that an individual attending an away fixture was engaging in chants which included racially motivated language and perpetuated outdated stereotypes.
These reports were shared with the Club by Avon and Somerset Police, who worked closely together to identify the involved individual. This person was asked to attend a police station regarding their behaviour.
The individual admitted their conduct and took responsibility for the offence caused. They agreed to enter an education programme on the effects of their behaviour as part of a community resolution order along with submitting a letter of apology.
Football Officer PC Steven Dix of Avon and Somerset Police said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of hate crimes reported to us across Avon and Somerset, which is both alarming that people are using hateful language and actions, but also encouraging as hate crime is notoriously under reported.
“It is encouraging to see more football supporters standing up to racial behaviours and challenging hateful language. There is no place for racism in our society or in sport.
“Hate crimes can range from chanting or saying an inappropriate word or phrase with hateful connotations through to being physically violent towards someone because of their race, religion, transgender identity, disability or sexual orientation. Regardless of the nature of the offence, it is never acceptable.
“Thanks to the zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory conduct from clubs like Bristol Rovers supporters, we have seen those responsible for such crimes receive out-of-court settlements at the discretion of the victim, Football Banning Orders and receive convictions at court.”
James Hillier, Head Of Safety and Stadium at Bristol Rovers, said: “I would like to thank the Bristol Rovers fans who have continued to bring matters of hate crime to our attention and we urge them to continue to do so. It is only with all of us working together that we can stop discrimination being part of our matchdays.
“We want fans to enjoy their experience at Memorial Stadium and we want everyone who walks through those gates to feel like they belong and are accepted. We will continue to work with the police to keep supporters, players and officials safe and to stamp out racism in our beloved sport.
The EFL Together Against Racism campaign encourages supporters across the leagues to report any incident of discrimination that they might hear in stadiums or see online.
Bristol Rovers Football Club will again reiterate our uncompromising stance against racism at our home Sky Bet League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday 18 October.
Thanks to the support of our passionate fans in reporting discrimination, we will continue to take swift, firm and decisive action against people engaging in such behaviour at our matches and around our Club,
“As football comes together against racism over the coming fixtures, it is important to recognise that we want everyone to first and foremost feel safe and comfortable at any fixture they attend,” PC Dix added.
“Often, those engaging in these chants and behaviours do not fully comprehend the damage their words can have on those around them. We as a force, with the support of Bristol Rovers, will always seek to educate in the first instance.
“I would also suggest to fans that if you are uncertain what a song or chant is referencing then simply don’t engage with it. Ignorance is not an excuse for discriminatory behaviour in any capacity and supporters of all Clubs should be aware they could be ejected from grounds; face stadium bans and possible criminal prosecution for hate crime or hate speech.”
