West Brom and QPR both release a statement after West Midlands Police arrest a fan accused of racially abusing a player.
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses as they investigate a report which alleged a player was racially abused from the West Stand of The Hawthorns during the first half of Saturday’s Championship fixture.
West Brom say they have suspended the season ticket of a supporter arrested by police. Read all three statements below…
West Bromwich Albion has suspended the season ticket of a man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a Queens Park Rangers player at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) March 8, 2025
WEST MIDLANDS POLICE STATEMENT:
We’ve arrested a 62-year-old West Bromwich Albion fan after a report that a Queens Park Rangers player was the target of racist abuse today at The Hawthorns.
Our officers arrested the suspect after another fan reported overhearing the abuse.
The man remains in custody on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and we are liaising with both clubs as the investigation continues.
We take a zero tolerance approach to hate at football and work closely with clubs to take action when necessary.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information should get in touch quoting log 919 of 8 March.
WEST BROM STATEMENT:
West Bromwich Albion has suspended the season ticket of a man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a Queens Park Rangers player at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses to assist their investigation into the incident, which took place in the West Stand during this afternoon’s game.
If you saw or heard the incident, please contact West Midlands Police by visiting their website or by calling 101.
The club will offer its full support to West Midlands Police’s criminal investigation and remains in contact with Queens Park Rangers.
The club takes a strong stance against all forms of discrimination and will do all it can to ensure anyone found guilty of racism faces the toughest available legal punishment, in addition to a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns.
Albion will continue to work with the Football Association, the EFL and all relevant authorities to rid the game of racism.
QPR STATEMENT:
THE CLUB can confirm a report of racism towards a QPR player was made during the first half of Saturday’s fixture against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
A supporter has subsequently been detained by West Midlands Police on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence – while West Bromwich Albion have also suspended the said season ticket holder.
QPR strongly condemns all forms of discrimination – be it in person, online or in any medium – and we will continue to work with the relevant authorities, as well as West Bromwich Albion, on this matter.
If you witness any form of abusive behaviour in the stadium, whether it be directed at a player/manager or at another member of the crowd then you can report this in numerous ways.
If you feel comfortable to contact your nearest steward then we would advise this is the first step you take as they will be able to provide immediate assistance or inform senior safety officials and police. You may also wish to contact your club post-match via their contact channels.
You can report an incident to Kick it Out, via their mobile app, which can be downloaded on IOS and Android devices. They also have a web reporting form which can be found here.
The game saw Adam Armstrong scored a winner for the Baggies, despite them playing half with 10 players after Darnell Furlong red card for a suspected elbow on Koki Saito.
West Brom’s Tony Mowbray, per Sky Sports:
“It makes me really proud that they have that in their stomachs.
“I did reference the previous coach (Carlos Corberan) for the defensive structure they showed, and Kyle Bartley is a real leader of men on the pitch.
“It was a huge win in the context of the points missed if we’d have lost or drawn.
“It was a Herculean effort by everyone. There are certain games you target and with all due respect to QPR and Hull, these are two of them.
“It means we can go to Burnley on Tuesday night with the same confidence we showed at Leeds United (drew 1-1 in their last away game) and look to pick up something.”
QPR’s Marti Cifuentes:
“In the first half neither team created big chances, but there were two big situations with the penalty we should not have conceded, and the red card.
“We expected them to be in a low block and they were, but it was a pity we could not beat that and create more.
“I was not happy with the lack of clear chances, but they defended really well and were very compact.
“They didn’t create anything on the counter, so credit to the players to not concede any more, because in those situations you can concede a second goal and it’s game over.”
