A 26-year-old Chester-le- Street man was arrested on Monday evening and questioned in connection with an alleged incident in the aftermath of Sunderland's 1-0 defeat at Wigan.
Police are investigating allegations Bent's mother, Shirley, was racially abused by a Sunderland supporter as she waited to be served in a Wigan pub after the game.
Legal proceedings prevent Sunderland officials from commenting on the specifics of the case, but Quinn has urged Black Cats fans to support the club's commitment to equality and inclusion.
Racism is not just an issue for football or sport, said the Sunderland chairman. It's something that society as a whole must tackle, but we can use the power of football as a catalyst for change.
Look at the diversity of the Premier League. There are players from every continent and, here at Sunderland, we have players from a whole host of countries.
Their ethnic origin or cultural background is irrelevant, but what is important is the great team spirit they share and their love for our football club.
There is no place for racism of any kind within the game and our wider community, and this is a fundamental belief that I know Sunderland supporters share with me.
Sunderland were recently honoured by national antiracism group, Kick It Out.
The Equality Standard attempts to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against on grounds of race, religion, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.
This sets Sunderland's work on diversity and equality as amongst the best in the Premier League, said Kick It Out director Piara Powar.
Source: Northern_Echo
