Exeter Chiefs fans face bans over Native American attire

Exeter Chiefs fans could be banned from away stadiums if they continue to don traditional Native American headdresses in a show of support for their team, according to a piece in itv.com. 

Chiefs have been heavily criticised in recent times for their branding which, some claim, is disrespectful. 

In 2020, Exeter decided to retire “Big Chief”, the team mascot, but stated that the rest of their branding was not disrespectful. 

However, a recent letter from Wasps supporters has piled new pressure onto Exeter, as said letter takes renewed aim at the use of the headdress, calling it “one of rugby’s most prominent examples of cultural appropriation”. 

The letter includes the following: 

"Whilst we are fully aware that as a club you cannot force another to change their name, we are calling on the club to ban the wearing of novelty Native American headdresses at the Coventry Building Society Arena. 

“We support the fantastic work of Exeter Chiefs for Change [campaign group calling for the end of the Exeter Chiefs' use of indigenous peoples' imagery and branding] and continue to applaud the great work the club is doing to raise awareness of inequality. 

"Together we can all work together to create an environment that is welcoming to all."