Police investigate as Welsh club chairman accused of racism by former Wales international over WhatsApp message

A Welsh rugby club has been caught up in allegations of racism over a WhatsApp message sent about former Wales international Martyn Madden.

Madden has accused Bridgend Athletic RFC chairman Andrew Tellem of sending a gorilla emoji during a first team WhatsApp group conversation, according to the BBC.

Madden, who played five times for Wales, says the message came to light as his stepson plays for the club and is part of the group conversation.

“Any racist remark in this day and age is not a joke. It is shocking because I thought racism was out of the game” Madden said.

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Mr Tellem has so far not commented on the allegations, but the club is investigating.

In a statement provided to the BBC the club said they are addressing the complaint and “deal with appropriately as quickly as it can”.

“The club has been told that Mr Madden has also complained to the police and to the Welsh Rugby Union.”

“It would therefore be inappropriate for the club to add anything further at this stage save to say that if either or both of these organisations conduct their own investigations, the club will cooperate and assist in every way it can.”

Police are investigating the allegations.

The Welsh Rugby Union have also spoken about the matter and issued a statement.

“We will await the outcome of that and of an internal club investigation before deciding if any further action needs to take place,” the WRU said.

“There is no place in Welsh rugby for racism of any kind.”

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