Football club punished by FA after homophobic abuse from the sidelines

A DERBYSHIRE football club has been sanctioned after a fan subjected a footballer to sustained homophobic abuse.

Springfield Sports Bar FC were reprimanded by the FA following the incident, which saw a grassroots player targeted.

It was reported after the team, which plays in the Burton and District League, faced off against Ashby United Community Football Club (CFC) on June 13.

The homophobic shouts were described as “sustained” against the one player and led to multiple investigations, both internally from the clubs themselves and from the game’s governing body.

The abusive incident took place during the sides’ 3-3 draw when a Springfield Sports Bar FC fan launched into a continued homophobic tirade from the sidelines.

Investigations were launched in the immediate aftermath of the incident and following their work, the Derbyshire FA have now formally sanctioned the Swadlincote-based team. Details on the exact nature of the sanctions are not known, with Derbyshire FA yet to respond to requests from LeicestershireLive.

Following the incident, Springfield

Sports Bar FC released a statement, saying: “On behalf of everyone at Springfield Sports Bar FC we are shocked to hear the news that an Ashby United player was subject to homophobic abuse at yesterday‘s game. We stand by Ashby and their player and will assist in any way possible to identify the individual involved.

“After speaking to the players they also feel let down. And are disappointed that such a good game of football can be ruined by someone on the sideline.

“We as a club are against all forms of discrimination and believe it has no place in football.”

Meanwhile, Ashby CFC has welcomed the findings which highlight homophobia in sport, saying: “There is no place for this or any discriminatory abuse in football or any sport. “The player who was subjected to the abuse is satisfied with the outcome.

“They would also like to thank Ashby United Community Football Club for the support provided during what has been a difficult period.” Following the incident, Ashby CFC will host a charity game in honour of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign next month

The match, against Leicester Wildcats, is part of Stonewall’s efforts to make the game inclusive for all and celebrate the impact sport has on LGBTQ+ people and their impact on sport.

“The fixture will be held on Saturday, December 4 at Hood Park in Ashby with kick off being 1pm so please come down and show your support,” the club added.

The player who was subjected to the abuse is satisfied with the outcome.

ashby CFC