15 February 2023 , 16:15
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Birmingham City are "appalled and saddened" after allegations their club captain Troy Deeney was racially abused by some of the club's own fans.
Deeney and "a number of supporters" reported the 34-year-old being subjected to racist abuse after the final whistle in Tuesday night's 2-0 home defeat to Cardiff.
Birmingham said in a statement on Wednesday: "After the full-time whistle of Tuesday night's Sky Bet Championship match against Cardiff City, Troy Deeney and a number of supporters have reported hearing the 34-year-old subjected to racist abuse.
"The club captain and those inside St Andrew's identified this as coming from the home section of the Gil Merrick lower when players were leaving the field of play towards the players' tunnel.
"This incident has been referred to the relevant authorities and the club will assist in their investigation.
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"Blues gives its full support to Troy and is appalled and saddened that yet again, one of our players is not safe from discrimination on the football pitch. There is no room for racism in the game."
Birmingham have been struggling of late and were beaten 2-0 by Cardiff on Tuesday nightA statement from West Midlands Police confirmed: "We are investigating a report of racial abuse against footballer Troy Deeney at the Birmingham City game against Cardiff City at St Andrews last night.
"The allegations involve racial abuse aimed at Mr Deeney by a fan in the home section of a stand as the players were leaving the field. We are working with Birmingham City FC including reviewing CCTV footage.
"There is no place for racism in football or society in general. PC Stuart Ward, football hate crime officer at West Midlands Police, is leading our attempts to stamp out abuse both at football games and online abuse aimed at footballers and fans."
Deeney, who has six goals this term, is in his second season at St Andrew's after joining Brum on a free transfer from Watford in the summer of 2021. Their 2-0 defeat to Cardiff was their fourth defeat in their last five home league games.
Deeney, who grew up supporting Birmingham and has a tattoo of the club crest, has made 31 appearances this season.