Gent suspend striker Benito Raman for homophobic remarks aimed at supporters of rival club

Benito Raman has been suspended by Gent. Credit: PA

Belgian club Gent have suspended one of their players indefinitely after he aimed homophobic remarks at supporters of a rival club.

Following Sunday's 3-0 win over KV Kortrijk, striker Benito Raman was one of several players to address the crowd through a microphone.

The 21-year-old sparked controversy by chanting "Alle Boeren zijn homos" ("All 'Boeren' are homos'). Boeren, meaning 'farmers', is one of the nicknames used by Gent's rivals Club Brugge.

Gent released the following statement about the incident

A statement on Gent's website on Monday read: "KAA Gent dissociates itself entirely from the inappropriate statements of the player Benito Raman yesterday immediately after the game. Such statements are completely contrary to the fundamental values of the club.

"KAA Gent wants to apologise, first and foremost to the gay community in general and to their own gay supporters in particular.

"KAA Gent also apologises to the farming community, who may feel targeted by these totally inappropriate remarks.

"Finally, KAA Gent also apologises to the supporters of Club Brugge and we hope that this incident does not compromise the good relations between the clubs."

Raman apologised after the game for his actions, writing on his Twitter account: "I apologise to everyone I've hurt! @ClubBrugge My apologies!