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Ulster fans in the spotlight again

Sunday 18th February 2007

Aled Brew: Allegedly subject to taunts from Ulster fans

Newport Gwent Dragons have claimed Ulster fans racially abused their players during Friday's Magners League match in Belfast.

The Welsh side's players raised the issue at half-time during their 14-7 Magners League defeat and the club are to write to the Northern Ireland outfit to highlight their "concerns and disappointment" at the crowd's behaviour.

Dragons' wing Aled Brew was moved to complain to a touch judge at the treatment meted out by a minority of the Ravenhill spectators.

And a statement released by the club today said: "Following a strong performance against Ulster the game was somewhat soured when the Newport Gwent Dragons team were singled out for racial abuse by a minority of the Ravenhill crowd.

"The issue having been raised by the players at half-time was then taken up by the Dragons' management and brought to the attention of the Ulster officials.

"The Dragons will confirm in writing to Ulster their concerns and disappointment over the incident.

"The Dragons realise that it was a small minority but feel the issue needs to be raised as is not acceptable in society and the game of rugby football.

"No further comment will be made at this stage."

The allegations come a month after Toulouse lock and former Ireland international Trevor Brennan attacked an Ulster fan during an Heineken Cup game in France.

The second row claimed he had been verbally abused by an opposition fan, while former Wales captain Gareth Thomas was also banned for four weeks after attempting to confront spectators in the same game.