Exeter supporters are asked not to wear Native American-style headdresses for the derby match on Friday, as Chiefs reviews their branding.
Sportmail After being requested by their fans, he received correspondence from Bath asking them to not take any Native American cultural symbols to The Rec.
Bath, while not banning head-dresses completely, has stated its position and declared that fans who don’t respect their culture are welcome to do so.
Bath is the second club that Chiefs fans have made this request after Exeter publicly exposed them earlier in the season.
After consulting members this week, Exeter is now ready to get rid of their logo.
Chiefs fan who traveled to the game received an email from Bath. This official email was seen by SportmailIt reads: “We were asked this week, by our supporters, to look at the wearing and imitation of Native American singing at our games.
Exeter supporters have been asked by Bath not to wear Native American headdresses during the derby
Bath made it clear that they don’t respect head-dresses and have stated their position.
“In order to complete this review, we will speak to our supporters in the next weeks. We want to learn from them how they approach this issue.
What we understand is that Native American culture holds head-dresses to be sacred symbols. Non-Natives often wear the same head-dresses as Plains peoples.
Head-dresses in the culture of their people are difficult to own or wear by everyone. These head-dresses are a sign of achievements or honours that have been earned in a particular way. It is very restricted who can be awarded this status.
“Therefore, only natives can respectfully wear the symbols. They must have a Plains Nation headdress or have permission.
Exeter, as a mark of respect last year, had made the decision to take their mascot, ‘Big Chief’ (pictured), with them.
Bath and Exeter will face each other tonight as the Chiefs continue to review their branding
Anything else is considered disrespectful to native culture.
“We ask all our supporters not to wear Native American cultural symbols, such as head-dresses, at this ground tonight.
As Sportmail has reported the Exeter board – headed by owner Tony Rowe – have been encouraged to align themselves more with Iron Age chiefs, and are spending time looking into the historical significance of the Dumnonii tribe who lived in Devon and Cornwall.
In December the board will be meeting again. They will continue their research to determine if they should make any links with Dumnonii or if their rebranding is a better direction.