Police arrest man after Brentford duo stop alleged racist attack
Two unnamed Brentford players were left with bloodied clothes after intervening to stop an alleged racially motivated attack in Richmond early on Sunday morning.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 63-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of offences including common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.
He has since been released on bail while law enforcement officers continue their investigations.
Players stepped in after away fixture
The two footballers had just returned to south-west London following their team’s goalless draw against Leeds on Saturday evening.
Because the match immediately preceded the current international break, the squad had been given permission to arrange their own travel back to the capital.
Officers were initially called to Queen’s Road at approximately 02:00 GMT on Sunday where they engaged with the primary victim of the assault.
Police have subsequently identified a second individual who was reportedly targeted with racially aggravated verbal abuse during the late-night altercation.
European push pauses for international break
Neither of the intervening athletes sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Keith Andrews’ side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after amassing 46 points from 31 matches.
The west London club are enjoying a stellar campaign and remain firmly in contention for European qualification next season.
Following recent consecutive draws against Bournemouth, Wolves and Leeds, the Bees do not return to domestic action until they host Everton on 11 April.
Speaking after their most recent stalemate in Yorkshire, the manager praised the relentless commitment of his overachieving squad.
“Everything we can give, we will give, like they do all the time.”
Keith Andrews
He added that the group’s positive intentions will lift them for the final seven games of the season.
