HerGameToo movement cautious over Brown’s Rovers signing

LONDON, England (CMC):

The HerGameToo movement, an organisation that seeks to battle inequality and sexism in football is being cautious in response to the signing of former young Reggae Boyz forward, Jevani Brown, to a two-year deal with Bristol Rovers, following his release by Exeter City.

The 28-year-old is due to stand trial next week on an assault charge and has not played since his arrest in February.

He will wear the number 20 shirt and joins a Rovers side, nicknamed the Pirates, that finished 17th in League One last season under manager Joey Barton.

The movement, started by a Bristol Rovers supporter, has the club as one of its first official partners but says that relationship will be looked at when the case concludes.

“As this is a live legal case, we are unable to comment on the matter,” read a post from the organisation on social media.

“However, we can confirm that in due course, once the case has concluded, we will make a decision on what this means for our partnership with Bristol Rovers FC.

“We will remain in dialogue with the club throughout the process and provide further comment if required in due course.

“We will also continue to support the great work that goes on with Bristol Rovers Community Trust and the Gas Girls.”

In the meantime, Barton has said Brown’s signing, at least on the field, will bring much to the club’s attacking capability.

“Jevani is an exciting talent. He can operate across the midfield and forward areas and will bring another dimension to our team,” said Barton, the former Manchester City star.

“I am looking forward to welcoming him into our group and seeing him in action for the club.”

Brown’s deal contains an option for a third year.

He smashed 14 goals in 32 appearances for League One Exeter City last term before his campaign was upended by legal problems with his arrest and subsequent charge of assaulting a woman.

In a court appearance in March, Brown admitted to one charge of assault, but pleaded not guilty to a second count of assault regarding another woman.

Brown, who was born in England, made five appearances for Jamaica Under-17s and was called up by the senior Reggae Boyz last year, but opted out of the assignment in Austria due to logistical challenges.