The FA has opened an investigation into alleged sexist abuse of a Bristol Rovers staff member during last Saturday’s League One game against Exeter City.
The FA, Rovers and Exeter are conducting enquiries into claims that the female staff member was subjected to inappropriate chants from home fans at St James’ Park. It is the third such investigation of this nature during a Gas game this season, after previous incidents with Barnsley and Accrington Stanley supporters, and the second when an employee of the club has been involved.
Barnsley were charged by the FA on September 22 after chants - of a similar nature to what was heard at Exeter - were found in breach of FA Rule E20, and that they, “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”. The Tykes face a fine if found guilty.
Meanwhile, the governing body continue to investigate a complaint that sections of the Rovers fanbase were subjected to sexist abuse and sexual harassment from some Accrington supporters during the 1-0 defeat at the Mem on September 26.
Like Barnsley and Accrington, Exeter are partnered with Her Game Too, the campaign group aiming to tackle sexism and championing women in sport.
As part of the agreement, St James Park has #HerGameToo posters around the ground, graphics on the LED advertising board and in the match day programme. The Grecians game against Newport County last October was a dedicated “HerGameToo match” as the club, “continue our commitment to rooting out all forms of discrimination within our beautiful game.”
Bristol Live understands a representative of Her Game Too was part of the away following at St James Park on Saturday and discussed the chanting with a club official. Exeter have declined to comment on the matter.
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