Premiership club urges rugby bosses to 'formally address' Exeter Chiefs' controversial headdresses
Wasps says they have the potential to cause offence and they do not align with their values
Premiership club, Wasps, is asking rugby bosses to consider banning the wearing of a controversial garment.
The faux Native American headdress is worn by some Exeter Chiefs fans.
Wasps was recently asked by one of their supporter groups to review the wearing of headdresses and other cultural signifiers at their stadium.
They have since taken the time to consult those with more knowledge on the subject, including members of the Native American community.
At this time, the club say they will not be issuing an arena wide ban on the wearing of faux Native American attire, but they will be discouraging it.
They are now asking rugby bosses to formally address the issue, saying that "to drive real change we need a sport wide position to be reached".
Despite a petition signed by more than 3,700 people urging Exeter to lose their Native American branding, the club chose to retain their name and logo. They did however retire their 'Big Chief' mascot.
'Tackling racism and championing diversity in sport'
Wasps' statement added: "Many topics and behaviours which were once tolerated, such as cultural appropriation, are no longer acceptable.
"Just because something isn’t offensive to you, doesn’t mean it isn’t offensive. Even though we do not want to create a professionally offended society, we do need to recognise that times and opinions change.
"Respect for all cultures is a crucial part of including everyone in this amazing game.
"We at Wasps believe that cultural appropriation, “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture” and, therefore, the wearing of faux Native American headdresses has the potential to cause offence and doesn’t align with our values."
Wasps RFC
Exeter Chiefs next play Wasps at the CBS arena on Saturday (16 October).