Bristol Rovers CEO Tom Gorringe has confirmed that the club have launched an investigation following reports of sexist abuse towards referee Rebecca Welch during the Gas’ 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers last week.
Welch took charge of the League One encounter last Tuesday in her first appearance at the Mem, having previously officiated Rovers’ League Two clash at Hartlepool United towards the beginning of the 2021/22 League Two season.
Consensus opinion was the Washington-based official had a fine game but in his programme notes for Saturday’s visit of Portsmouth, Gorringe detailed how he had been made aware of “abuse and discrimination from a minority of supporters” and has promised to take “appropriate action”.
Welch was appointed as an EFL referee in March 2021, having previously worked in the WSL and National League, and has taken charge of 35 games across League One, League Two and the EFL Trophy.
“The match on Tuesday was officiated by Rebecca Welch who oversaw our fixture for the second time,” Gorringe wrote. “For me, she is one of the best officials at this level and once again had a good game, particularly in the first half.
“Sadly, we have been made aware of some abuse and discrimination from a minority of supporters during the game. As a club, we have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind.
“Everyone within the stadium on the matchday has the responsibility to represent the club with integrity and act in a manner that doesn’t intimidate or make any fellow supporters feel unwelcome.
“Any complaints made will be investigated thoroughly and appropriate action taken, should any supporters be found to be acting in a discriminatory way. If you witness any forms of discrimination whilst at the Mem please follow the information on how to report on page 36 of today’s programme or on posters around the ground.
“Finally, if you have any issues, you can contact us on email at feedback@bristolrovers.co.uk. Together we can ensure The Mem remains a friendly environment for all supporters.”
It is the fourth such case of alleged sexist abuse this season, beginning with Rovers' match against Barnsley at Oakwell in August in which a female member of staff was targeted by discriminatory chants and the Tykes were subsequently charged by the FA.
The FA have also looked into claims from their game against Exeter City in October that a female staff member was subjected to inappropriate chants from home fans at St James’ Park.
In between that, Rovers and Accrington Stanley investigated reports that members of the travelling support at the Mem verbally abused some female home fans and subjected them to sexual harassment.
Saturday’s League One encounter against Portsmouth was Rovers’ designated HerGameToo fixture - the campaign part-founded by Gasheads Caz May and Lucy Ford which aims to eradicate sexism in the football industry.
HGT paraphernalia is regularly distributed and posted in an official capacity around the Mem but in April last year, stickers in opposition to the campaign were found at the stadium, including in the clubhouse, with Rovers condemning the act and vowing to investigate.
Manager Joey Barton was criticised for a post on Twitter in February in which, during an exchange with commentator Jackie Oatley who questioned his use of the word “male” in discussing the quality of officials in the professional game, he replied: "Yep Jackie. ‘Male’.
“Mainly because the women’s game, as good as it is, it’s played a slightly different speed to the men’s. So, in terms of velocity and physicality, I’m not sure it would be best suited to ask people who haven’t experienced that to assist the officials.”
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