Norwich City star Sebastien Bassong. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd.

Man charged with alleged racist abuse of Norwich City star Sebastien Bassong

Saturday, March 2, 2013
7:25 PM

A man has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence after Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong was allegedly abused by a fan.

The Cameroon international was the target of alleged racial abuse during Norwich City’s 4-3 win over Swansea at the Liberty Stadium in December.

The alleged incident took place after Robert Snodgrass had scored Norwich’s fourth goal from a free-kick in the 77th minute.

It sparked an investigation by South Wales Police and 23-year-old Lee Ward, from Swansea, was arrested and released on bail.

The Crown Prosecution Service in Wales has confirmed that Ward has been charged with racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Ward will appear before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on March 20.

Former Newcastle player Bassong, who was signed by Norwich from Tottenham in the summer, made his debut against QPR in a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road in August.

He has recently returned to the side after injury and played in Norwich’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday.