Barnsley fan apologises for racially abusing ex-Arsenal and Crystal Palace star Ian Wright

A Barnsley fan has apologised for his part in racial abuse hurled at former Arsenal striker Ian Wright during a match in 1995.
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Wright, who also played for Crystal Palace and represented England before forging a career in punditry, revealed on his podcast Wrighty's House that a Tykes supporter contacted him recently to express his remorse.

He said: “In ‘95 I got majorly racially abused at Barnsley and it was horrible.

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"People who have been racially abused, you know what you go through, the humiliation and all the stuff that comes with it.”

The match in question was a third round League Cup tie at Oakwell in October 1995, which Arsenal won 3-0.

The letter to Wright, which he read out loud, said: “I was young a stupid but those are no defences. Poor guy said it was understandably one of the worst nights of his life and I would like him to know I am completely ashamed of my contribution towards it and I find myself thinking about it quite a lot.

"I apologise for what I did. It was not out of character for me at that time of my life. I have changed since then for the better [...] I am appalled by my former self.”

Ian Wright said the apology made him 'well up' (photo: Peter Summers/PA Wire)Ian Wright said the apology made him 'well up' (photo: Peter Summers/PA Wire)
Ian Wright said the apology made him 'well up' (photo: Peter Summers/PA Wire)
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Wright said the letter made him “well up” and he sent a reply.

He added: "It just makes me feel progress is being made.

"When you get racially abused like that [...] all you are thinking is you know I hope that one day these people can realise how bad this is, what they are saying and how it makes you feel as a human being.”

You can listen to Wrighty’s House here.