England: 'Racist and homophobic abuse' forces fan to leave fourth Ashes Test

An England cricket fan says "racist and homophobic abuse" forced him to leave the fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford.

"Even after 72 hours there was nothing substantive in the response I received," Marsh told BBC Sport.

A spokesperson said the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was "immensely disturbed that a spectator has felt intimidated and distressed".

A statement added: "We are currently working alongside Lancashire to understand the specifics of this case.

"It is vitally important that all supporters feel able to come forward and report anti-social behaviour and feel safe in doing so."

Marsh, who attended the Test with his parents, in their sixties, and his sister, said a group of eight men were singing a racist song about England's Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer.

He also said female fans were subjected to sexist chants, while players were on the end of homophobic abuse from the same group.

Marsh made his complaint via social media on Thursday, the second day of the Test.

In a statement Lancashire said they have a "zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour" .

It added that "two response teams were sent to the scene but did not witness any foul or abusive language".

Marsh said the group in question turned on him and his family as they left the Lightning Stand, which is at the Statham End of the ground.

"There is a clear lack of policy enforcement and I am amazed that in 2019 the sport doesn't have a mechanism to report this sort of incident in a way that doesn't identify you to the perpetrators," Marsh added.

"The Archer chant happened three times before I spoke to a steward on the day but being asked to identify people who are two metres away makes you a target. It was scary. It could have got physical and nasty.

"People talk about the atmosphere at cricket and most of it is good natured but this was sustained anti-social behaviour. If you are from a minority background, why would you go?"

The news follows two Australia fans being ejected from Old Trafford for using "foul and abusive" language towards Archer, 24, on the first day of the Test.

In 1999, the ECB commissioned a report into racism in the sport to ensure that all cricketers and those associated with the game are treated with respect.

Australia sealed a 185-run win over England at Old Trafford on Sunday to retain the Ashes.

Full ECB statement

"The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is extremely disturbed to hear that a report was made regarding anti-social behaviour from a group of spectators during the fourth Specsavers Ashes Test match at Emirates Old Trafford.

"We are currently working alongside Lancashire to understand the specifics of this case.

"ECB works closely with all First Class Counties to ensure that clear guidelines are in place at every venue so that watching a cricket match is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

"Venues are responsible for the stewarding operation at matches but we have a number of measures in place to continually improve standards, including contracting the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) to audit all venues, adopting the ICC's anti-racism and discriminatory behaviour code, and working with Drink Aware to support their alcohol management policy.

"While this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social behaviour within the game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward to report anti-social behaviour and feel safe in doing so."