Man arrested in investigation into alleged racial abuse of Swansea winger Eom Jisung

A 51-year-old man has been arrested as police investigate alleged racial abuse during Millwall’s Championship match against Swansea City at The Den on 13 October. BBC Sport reported that Swansea head coach Vitor Matos identified South Korea winger Eom Jisung as the player at whom the alleged comments were directed.

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The Metropolitan Police said the man was arrested at an address in Kent on 14 October on suspicion of racially aggravated intentional harassment, alarm or distress. He was taken to a police station in south London and subsequently released on bail until mid-January while further enquiries are carried out, according to the police statement reported by the BBC.

Eom was a substitute and was warming up beside the pitch when the incident was reported. The Daily Echo’s account, carried by Yahoo Sports, said referee Edward Duckworth stopped play and spoke with both coaching teams. An announcement inside the stadium referred to alleged racist chanting and said police were using CCTV to try to identify those responsible.

Swansea said in their post-match statement that they had reported the allegation to officials. The club condemned discrimination, thanked the referee’s team, Millwall and police for their response, and pledged to assist the investigation. Swansea also expressed their support for Eom and said they would follow the relevant procedures as enquiries continued.

Millwall acknowledged an allegation involving discriminatory abuse directed towards a Swansea player. In their statement, also reproduced by the Daily Echo, the club said they were helping the authorities establish what had happened. Millwall reiterated that discriminatory behaviour would not be tolerated and that anyone found responsible would face strong action.

Matos praised the referee and Millwall for activating the match protocols, BBC Sport reported. He said Eom was upset by the situation and made clear that the squad would continue to support their team-mate. The coach welcomed the stadium announcement while expressing sadness about the alleged incident.

Swansea won the match 1-0 through Ronald’s late goal, remaining two points clear at the top of the Championship. The arrest is the latest development in an investigation that remains ongoing; police said the man’s bail was pending further enquiries.