Vasco Investigating ‘Very Serious Allegations’
[Written by Don Burgess]
Following social media reports of “racially offensive remarks and gestures,” Vasco da Gama club has started an investigation into what they said were “very serious allegations,” with the club noting that “there is no place for racism in local football, at the club or in general.”
At least two people who said they were at the game posted on social media about the taunts, with one person saying how it was “the nastiest thing” they’ve seen in a while.
Both Vasco and the Bermuda Football Association are looking into the matter.
A spokesperson for Vasco said in an email, “Social media reports have alleged that racially offensive remarks and gestures were made at the First Division match between Vasco da Gama and YMSC on Sunday, 6 October.
“Separately, a Vasco fan was ejected from the field for shouting profanities. Our preliminary information is that he did not use any racially insensitive language or gestures. This fan has since unreservedly apologized for his behaviour.
“The club will begin an investigation into these very serious allegations. We encourage anyone with information about the behavior of any Vasco fan to step forward with their allegations or to make a formal complaint to the Bermuda Football Association. We will get an independent person to take the lead in conducting this investigation, and we will forward the findings of this process to the BFA.
“It is important that we gather the facts first before we make any firm conclusions. However, if any member of the Vasco da Gama Club or any player for the Vasco senior team is found to have made any racially insensitive remarks, the club will take the strongest disciplinary action we can.
“We will also cooperate with any separate investigation undertaken by the BFA, and we will support any action by them or other authorities. We want to do our part to help foster a family-friendly environment for football in Bermuda. We as a club believe that there is NO place for racism in local football, at the club or in general.”
Mark Wade, President of the BFA, said his organisation “is aware of the social media posts, and we are in possession of an initial report from the match officials. The BFA standard protocol is to examine all reports and prepare a file for the disciplinary committee if warranted. Any other comment at this time would be premature.”
