Craig Bellamy Racism Investigation Launched By FA After Brighton Fans Shouted Anti-Welsh Taunts at the Liverpool Forward

Brighton fans chose to taunt Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy because of his nationality and the club could pay a fine because of it. The Daily Mail reports the former captain of the Welsh national team was allegedly racially abused as he turned in a man-of-the-match performance when the teams met on Sept. 21.

"Anti-Welsh chants were something all Welsh players had to deal with during their careers," former Cardiff City player and anti-racism activist Christian Roberts said. "It is nothing more than pathetic racism and the authorities should impose tough punishments for any fan found guilty."

The English FA has launched an investigation into the matter after the organization Let's Kick Racism Out lodged an official complaint. If the club (Brighton) is found to have not properly controlled its fans at the American Express Community Stadium, it could face a fine from the  governing body. 

Bellamy has been the target of racial abuse before. In 2005 a Hearts fan shouted anti-Welsh slogans at him during a game between Hearts and Celtic. The fan was identified, arrested and convicted of racially aggravated breach of the peace and fined £250 ($391). 

Photo courtesy of LiverpoolFC.tv