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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
James Piercy

Bristol Rovers investigate claims of sexist chanting and harassment from Accrington Stanley fans

Bristol Rovers and Accrington Stanley are investigating claims that sections of the visiting support subjected a group of female home fans at the Mem to sexist chanting and sexual harassment.

Bristol Live understands the EFL are also aware of the allegations and are monitoring the situation as Rovers and Accrington speak to the relevant parties involved, with disciplinary matters - if required - then falling under the remit of the Football Association.

Accrington beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 in League One on Saturday with the Lancashire club bringing around 100 supporters to north Bristol but a complaint was made in the wake of the game regarding the conduct of certain travelling fans situated in the South Stand.

“Bristol Rovers can confirm an investigation is taking place into the allegations,” the club said in a statement to Bristol Live. “As a club, Bristol Rovers do not tolerate any forms of discrimination and will take robust action against anyone found guilty.”

Both Rovers and Accrington are Her Game Too clubs and the respective representatives from the campaign group which aims to fight sexism in football are involved in the process. Accrington announced their partnership with the group on September 22, just two days before the game at the Mem.

Managing Director David Burgess said last week: "Accrington Stanley is an inclusive, community driven, football club. Partnering with #HerGameToo will give the club another opportunity and direction to support women into football, and especially at Accrington Stanley."

The incident is less than a week after Barnsley were charged by the FA following some of their supporters delivering a sexist chant to a female Rovers member of staff during the league fixture at Oakwell on August 16.

Barnsley, who have condemned the behaviour, have until Thursday this week to respond to the charge which was in breach of Rule E20 and could lead to a fine.

The FA stated that the Tykes, “failed to ensure its spectators, and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using improper and/or abusive and/or insulting words which included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender”.

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