"A discriminatory comment was made to the linesman."
Police continue to investigate the racist comment that was allegedly made towards Bhupinder Singh Gill during Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw with Oxford.
Gill was the assistant referee during the match on October 5, 2024.
During the second half at Fratton Park, he alerted referee Lewis Smith to remarks made towards him.
Portsmouth FC later appeared for information to help identify those responsible.
Smith halted the match and reported the comments to the fourth official before a tannoy announcement was made to warn spectators about bad behaviour.
Smith confirmed: “A discriminatory comment was made to the linesman.”
Portsmouth head coach John Mousinho said: “I think there was something said to the linesman on the far side.
“I’ve apologised to the linesman after the game if anything was said and I know that it will be dealt with appropriately.
“We heard the tannoy announcement and everyone here will condone it.”
Oxford head coach Des Buckingham added: “It is not my place to say. There were comments made which the referee felt he needed to report but I’ll leave it to the referees to sort.”
In a statement, Portsmouth said: “Portsmouth FC are appealing for information from supporters after a racist comment was heard at today’s game.
“The match was stopped in the 77th minute after the comment was directed at one of the referee’s assistants from either Block E or F in the North Lower.
“The club met the match officials after the game to discuss the incident and have launched an immediate investigation, including a review of CCTV footage in the area.
“The referee has confirmed the incident will be reported to The FA.
“Anybody with information about this incident should email the club in confidence at info@pompeyfc.co.uk with any relevant details that might help us with our investigation.
“Fans can also call Hampshire Police on 101, quoting the crime reference number ‘44240432868’.
“Football is for all and racism has no place in society.”
“We all have a role to play in eradicating such behaviour and ensuring that discrimination of any kind is not welcome at Fratton Park.
“Any individual found to have made any racist or homophobic – or any discriminatory – remark will receive a significant ban from attending matches at Fratton Park.”
Joint statement from Kick It Out and @FA_PGMOL pic.twitter.com/Yf9aS4QU0g
— Kick It Out (@kickitout) October 7, 2024
Since the incident, the British Asian football community have shown their support for Bhupinder Singh Gill.
Black, Asian and mixed heritage referees group BAMRef continue to provide support to Gill following the racist abuse.
A statement read: “BAMRef is providing support to Bhupinder Singh Gill as we do with all of our officials after he was racially abused during Saturday’s Championship game between Portsmouth and Oxford.
“It remains an indictment on our game that officials of colour are still acutely aware that every game in which they are involved carries the risk of racist abuse.
“As such we call on the authorities to set out the action being taken in this case.
“We will work with the PGMOL, the club and the FA to establish the facts.
“But we also call for a swift resolution to the investigation, so that all officials can be reassured that significant measures are in place to protect them.”