Police make contact with man in Ugo Monye racist abuse case

Ugo Monye retired from professional rugby after the 2014-15 season

Police investigating an allegation of racist abuse at an Exeter Chiefs match have "made contact" with a man in connection to the incident, the force said.

Devon and Cornwall Police were also "in the process of speaking to the victim", they added.

Former England international Ugo Monye accused a supporter of racist abuse on Sunday.

Mr Monye reported the alleged incident after Exeter's victory over Gloucester.

The 40-year-old was working at the Premiership match as part of the punditry team on TNT Sport.

A police spokesman said: "We have identified and made contact with a man in connection to the incident and we are in the process of speaking to the victim.

"Our inquiries are currently ongoing."

Following the alleged incident, former Premiership referee David Rose said rugby union "can't isolate itself" from racism.

Exeter and Gloucester, as well as governing body the Rugby Football Union, also gave their backing to the former Harlequins and British and Irish Lions back, who won 14 caps for England.

Exeter said they would be "launching a full investigation" and offered "sincerest apologies" to Mr Monye, adding: "This behaviour will not be tolerated at our rugby club."

Gloucester said they would "encourage a thorough investigation and will co-operate fully to ensure the culprit is identified".

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