Police launch criminal investigation into racist abuse of India supporters

West Midlands police have launched a criminal investigation into the behaviour of fans at Edgbaston during the fourth day of England’s dramatic Test victory over India after allegations of racist abuse in the stands.

Claims emerged on social media on Monday evening that several supporters in the ground had been racially abused, some of which contained images of an individual alleged to have been involved. Officials at Edgbaston swiftly promised to investigate and, in the wake of the police announcement, have said that anyone successfully prosecuted would be banned from all cricket venues nationwide.

“We’re liaising with Edgbaston officials to understand what’s happened and would encourage anyone who heard any racist language or gestures, or has video footage that could help, to get in touch,” West Midlands police said in a statement. “We’re aware of images circulating on social media showing an alleged offender. We’re making enquiries to identify the person and would urge him to come forward and speak to us.”

Many of those who said they had reported abuse to stewards, claimed no action was taken against their abusers, while they were told to sit back down. Warwickshire, however, have defended the way their stewards handled the situation.

“I have spoken to those who raised the issue on social media, the stewards managing the Eric Hollies stand and the police,” said Stuart Cain, the chief executive at Edgbaston. “When this issue was reported to the stewards, they couldn’t pinpoint where the alleged abuse was coming from so stewards and the police monitored the area until close of play.”

Cain said the best course of action for anyone who experiences abuse in the ground is to report it using the Edgbaston smartphone app.