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Villa 'disgusted' by footage of fans singing racist song about their players

Nigel French - EMPICS / PA Images / Getty

Aston Villa condemned the behavior of their own fans after a video circulating on social media showed some supporters chanting a racist song aimed at two first-team players.

Although the club did not reveal which players were targeted, it's understood a group of fans used several racial stereotypes in reference to Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and one other unidentified player during Villa's win over Norwich City on Saturday, according to the Press Association.

The Premier League side released a statement criticizing the actions of its fans:

Aston Villa is disgusted and appalled by footage circulating on social media of supporters chanting a racist song which makes reference to two of our first team players.

The club wholly condemns the chant and urges other supporters to help us identify those responsible.

Chants of this nature besmirch the good name of Aston Villa Football Club and our fans. If the perpetrators are identified they will be dealt with in the strongest manner by the club and be reported to the Police immediately.

Our security staff will be vigilant at forthcoming games to ensure that anybody attempting repetition of this chant will be dealt with severely.

We know we can rely on the assistance of the majority of our fans to eradicate this toxic behaviour immediately.

Footage of the incident appears to have been recorded in the concourse at Carrow Road where Villa recorded a decisive 5-1 victory.

The Aston Villa Supporters' Trust (AVST) also issued a statement to express its disappointment and said it will be in contact with the club to ensure the matter is addressed.

"AVST is disappointed to hear about the chanting directed toward Marvelous Nakamba at the Norwich game. It’s a cheap and insulting stereotype that has no place in this day and age," the AVST said.

"Racist stereotypes are never acceptable. Hiding so-called support behind such words are reprehensible and are condemned by all decent Villa supporters."

Earlier this season, West Ham United issued a lifetime ban to a supporter who was shown chanting racist songs in a video. Meanwhile, players such as Chelsea's Tammy Abraham and Manchester United's Paul Pogba have also been targets of racist abuse this season.

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