Police probe racist abuse allegation at Bristol Rovers

Udoka Godwin-Malife joined Burton Albion from Swindon Town last summer

Burton Albion manager Gary Bowyer and defender Udoka Godwin-Malife have been interviewed by police after the player was allegedly the target of racist abuse at Bristol Rovers.

Bowyer and Godwin-Malife, 24, spoke to uniformed officers following an incident that prompted referee Tom Kirk to halt the Saturday's League One game midway through the second half.

A Rovers supporter was ejected from Memorial Stadium after complaints by several players during the game, which the home side won 3-1.

Bowyer said: "At this moment in time there's not a great deal I can say with an investigation going on and so I can't really comment on anything else other than that at the moment.

"My main concern is the welfare of our players, so that is the main thing for me, making sure all of our players are OK and so we will offer all of them the support that is needed.

"But apart from that it is then above my head in terms of the authorities and what have you, and it is under investigation."

Burton said on their website: "We are aware of an allegation of racist abuse at today's game.

"Both clubs are fully aligned that there is no place in football for racist abuse and will be supporting the player in any way we can. The club will be making no further comment at this time."

'Not acceptable'

Bristol Rovers manager Inigo Calderon said: "Apparently it was racist abuse or something like that, and if that is what happened I don't like that at all.

"I don't think that represents the Rovers fans at all. If that happened, the fan can not be here any more, simple as that. That's not acceptable."

Rovers confirmed they were cooperating with the police investigation, posting a statement on their website which said: "The club is working closely with Burton Albion and the police to fully investigate the matter.

"Everyone at the club extends our fullest support to our friends and colleagues at Burton."