THE Dragons have reported a vile racist social media post targeting wing Ashton Hewitt to the police.
The 26-year-old from Newport was tagged in by a newly-created Twitter account after the New Year’s Day defeat to the Scarlets in Llanelli.
Hewitt, who has spoken candidly about discrimination since last year’s Black Lives Matter protests, highlighted the abuse last night.
“This is what a rugby fan somewhere (in Wales I think) wants me to see after a game. Pleaaase someone find out and tell me who it is,” he posted with a screengrab.
This is what a Rugby fan somewhere (in Wales I think) wants me to see after a game.
— Ashton Hewitt (@ashton_hewitt) January 1, 2021
Pleaaase someone find out and tell me who it is. pic.twitter.com/4WGXZ0eyXB
The Wales hopeful was quickly backed by Dragons chairman David Buttress on Twitter along with a raft of supporters from many clubs.
READ MORE: Hewitt aims to educated Dragons teammates
The Rodney Parade side have issued a statement to show support for their winger.
“Dragons Rugby is disgusted and appalled at an abhorrent racist post on social media yesterday evening targeting Ashton Hewitt,” read a club statement.
“The Dragons find all forms of discriminatory behaviour totally unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
“The individual who expressed these views does not represent the values of our game. We thank supporters who have also condemned this post on social media and shown their support for Ashton.
“Dragons take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously. Such behaviour has no place online, in our stadium, in our community or in our game.
“As a region, Dragons Rugby celebrates equality, diversity, respect and inclusion, we firmly stand behind Ashton and continue to fully support his outstanding efforts when trying to eradicate racial prejudice wherever it exists.
“This is a constant battle for Ashton and the region recognises how difficult the past few months have been for him.
“The matter has now been reported by Dragons Rugby to the police.”
Hewitt posted another message on Saturday afternoon, saying: "Thank you to everybody for the support, from supporters to teammates, my club and those of you that don’t know me - it’s encouraging and means a lot."
Gwent Police are investigating the matter and have spoken to Hewitt and the Dragons after being contacted by the club on Saturday.
Chief superintendent Tom Harding said: “Officers are investigating and have spoken to the player and the club.
“Gwent Police take any allegation of racism and discrimination extremely seriously. There is no place for hate crime in Gwent.
“We are committed to ensuring our communities are safe places and welcoming for all. Anyone with any information which could assist the investigation is asked to call us on 101.”
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