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.
Continue reading below...
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."
You may also like: Behind-the-scenes at the PRO14 final
Latest Comments
It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
Go to comments