Man arrested after reports of racist abuse among the crowd at Edgbaston Stadium

A 32-year-old man has been arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence after reports of racist, abusive behaviour at the cricket test match in Birmingham on Monday (4 July)

A number of fans reported abuse during England’s recent Test match with India at Edgbaston Stadium.

Officials at Edgbaston Stadium and West Midlands Police have confirmed they were looking into social media claims, highlighted by former Yorkshire cricketer Azeem Rafiq, of discriminatory language by spectators on Monday.

West Midlands Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the incident. He remains in custody for questioning.

Undercover spotters to be deployed at stadiums

The news comes as cricket chiefs announced that they will send undercover spotters into the Edgbaston crowd at Saturday’s Twenty20 clash between England and India in renewed efforts to combat racist abuse.

Warwickshire have announced a slew of new measures in a bid to stamp out racism at Edgbaston.

Police have launched an investigation into the allegations on day four of five in England’s seven-wicket win that came to a stunning climax on July 5.

“Undercover football crowd-style spotters will be placed throughout the stadium to listen out for abusive behaviour and report it for immediate action,” read a Warwickshire statement.

Chief executive Stuart Cain admitted Warwickshire must offer swift action in response to the Test incidents.

“Nearly 100,000 people watched one of the most exciting Test matches in recent history earlier this week,” said Cain. “But we cannot hide from the mindless racist abuse experienced by some fans following India in the Eric Hollies Stand.

“These unacceptable actions by a small number of people have overshadowed a superb sporting contest, and those responsible do not deserve to be part of the cricket family.

“We need to work harder as people, as well as a venue, to take responsibility for ensuring that everyone feels safe and welcome when watching the game.”

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