Devon and Cornwall Police issued an update relating to investigations into allegations of racism towards Ugo Monye; A man has been charged in connection with the alleged incident in November 2023 at an Exeter Chiefs match
Monday 20 May 2024 16:36, UK
A man is to be charged with racially aggravated harassment of former England rugby union international Ugo Monye.
Devon and Cornwall Police began investigating allegations of racism toward Monye at Sandy Park following Exeter Chiefs match against Gloucester in November 2023.
"Angus Beukes, 31, has been summonsed to appear before Exeter Magistrates' Court on July 24, where he will be charged with racially/religiously aggravated harassment/alarm/distress by words/writing," police said in a statement to Sky Sports News.
"The charge relates to an incident on Sunday November 19, 2023 in Sandy Park Way, Exeter.
"We must now respect the court process and would ask that members of the public do not risk prejudicing these proceedings by speculating on social media."
The 40-year-old ex-Harlequins and British and Irish Lions wing, now a television pundit, said the incident occurred as he was leaving Sandy Park following the Chiefs' 25-24 Premiership victory.
After the incident, Monye wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that one supporter running through the crowd repeatedly shouted a racist insult.
He added: "Disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.
"He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me 'We're with you' ******** you're with me. You weren't with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I've seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up."
Exeter swiftly issued a statement vowing to investigate the matter and apologising to Monye.
It read: "In light of recent accusations regarding an incident of racist abuse at Sandy Park following the conclusion of our victory over Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership, Exeter will be launching a full investigation.
"This behaviour will not be tolerated at our rugby club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
The Rugby Football Union said in its own statement: "We are appalled by the racist abuse Ugo Monye faced following the Exeter Chiefs game against Gloucester.
"Ugo is a great champion of rugby, inclusion, and diversity; he has our full support. Racism cannot be accepted in our sport.
"Rugby authorities, clubs, fans, players and volunteers must all act consistently and without tolerance to any form of abuse of discrimination."
