Former England rugby star and top pundit Ugo Monye ‘racially abused while working on TV’ as investigation launched

PUNDIT Ugo Monye claimed he was the victim of vile racial abuse at Sandy Park – and Exeter have launched an investigation.

The ex-England and Lions star was working on TV as Chiefs beat Gloucester 25-24 and alleges he was called the N-word by spectators.

Ugo Monye claimed he was the victim of vile racial abuse at Sandy ParkRex

Fuming Monye, 40, also claimed no one stepped in to help him when he suffered the barrage of racism as he left the ground.

Monye posted on social media: “Leaving Sandy Park and one supporter running through crowd starts shouting “N***a, N***a…” disgraceful. Not a single person said a word, challenged or even reported it.

“He walks off after a mild scuffle and fans are now telling me “We’re with you” B*****s you’re with me.

“You weren’t with me when you saw and heard the most blatant racism I’ve seen from a supporter at a live game. So fed up.”

Exeter responded with a statement saying: “This behaviour will not be tolerated at our Rugby Club, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

“Our team will begin to review CCTV footage from the stadium immediately in an attempt to identify the individual in question and we would like to extend our sincerest apologies to Ugo Monye, a member of the rugby community that is highly respected by everyone at our club.”

A Premiership Rugby spokesman added: “Premiership Rugby is aware of the accusations of racist abuse suffered by Ugo Monye at Sandy Park following the Exeter Chiefs match against Gloucester.

“Premiership Rugby offers our full support to Ugo Monye and we stand united with our clubs and players in the fight against racism. Racism has absolutely no place in our game or society.”

On the pitch, England reject Henry Slade showed Steve Borthwick he is still a big game player with a last minute winner.

Slade was a shock omission from Borthwick’s World Cup squad but proved he can still do the business when his 45m penalty snatched victory for Exeter and pushed them to third.

Chiefs had trailed 24-15 with four minutes left but a Stu Townsend try and Slade’s quick conversion gave them a shot and Slade’s late three-pointer finished it.

Chiefs boss Rob Baxter said: “He is the guy who is going to hold his nerve in those sorts of situations because he has been there and done it and he did that today.

He is motivated he didn’t go with England but he is motivated with dealing with anew team and new challenges we have got.

“Henry is offering an awful lot. I watch him train and play with the energy he used to train and play with.”