LONDON, 26 Nov. (dpa/EP) –
The West Midlands Police (England) have arrested two fans, both minors, during the football match between Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday for alleged misogynistic chants against referee Rebecca Welch.
Birmingham won 2-1 in the Sky Bet Championship match, English second division, which earned its new coach, Wayne Rooney, his first victory as head of the club.
The match was overshadowed by news of the arrest of two 17-year-olds for allegedly chanting against Welch, who made history in January by becoming the first woman to referee a Championship match after taking charge of Birmingham’s clash against the Preston.
“We arrested two boys for misogynistic chants against the referee during Birmingham City’s home match at St. Andrew’s today. Our officers heard the chants directed at the referee and acted quickly to arrest the two, both from 17 years old,” the Police said in a statement.
“They are currently in custody as suspects of a crime against public order while we carry out investigations. We do not tolerate any form of hate and it is important that we are informed of crimes motivated by hate,” he added, recalling that The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was celebrated.
Birmingham warned fans on Friday about their behavior towards referees. In a statement ahead of the match against Sheffield Wednesday, the club recalled that Welch faced “sexist and misogynistic” chants during their previous match at St. Andrew’s against Preston, and reminded fans that they could be subject to a penalty of five years for discriminatory or hate speech.
“The football club is deeply disappointed that two fans were heard by West Midlands Police officers uttering misogynistic chants against the referee for today’s match and are currently in custody on suspicion of a public order offence. “Birmingham City strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will support the police in their investigations,” Birmingham’s statement read.