By Martin Slack
OFFICIALS at Barnsley Football Club last night refused to comment over the arrest of three players who are alleged to have launched a racist attack on a taxi driver.
Police confirmed they had begun an investigation after three men were arrested over an incident in Sheffield's Penistone Road on March 7.
The trio, who have not been named, are the focus of an accusation from a taxi driver who claims he was subjected to a racially motivated assault by two of the players.

It is understood the third man then embarked on a tirade of racial abuse before all three men left the taxi and refused to pay the fare. It is thought the incident happened after the players had a night out in Sheffield.

A spokesman from the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association said he was aware of the case and that many taxi drivers were angry about what had happened.

Barnsley, who do not have a game today, are currently involved in a battle for survival in the Championship and lie near the relegation zone, fifth from bottom of the table.

Club chairman Gordon Shepherd said no players had been disciplined and added: "We are making no comment, but will conduct an internal investigation."

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said yesterday: "Police have arrested a 25-year-old man and two 24-year-old men in connection with an incident in a taxi travelling along Penistone Road in Sheffield on Wednesday, March 7, 2007.

"The 25-year-old man and one of the 24-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault and making off without payment.

"The remaining 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order and making off without payment. They have all since been released on police bail pending further inquiries," he added.

A spokesman at the club said yesterday afternoon: "There is nobody here who can talk about the issue, and we are not making any comment anyway."

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