Probe into allegation of racism at match
OFFICIALS at a county football club have spoken out after a game was abandoned when their players allegedly suffered racist abuse.
The incident which led to the game between GNG Oadby Town and Northampton ON Cheneks being stopped in the 82nd minute is being investigated by the Leicestershire and Rutland FA and the Northamptonshire FA in a joint inquiry.
Officials at GNG Oadby Town, who play in the United Counties League Premier Division, said they will not return to Northampton to replay the fixture until the inquiry is complete.
A spokesperson said: “Our players were subjected to racial abuse by a small group of supporters during the match. The ongoing abuse flared up in the second half and the match was abandoned to ensure the safety of the players.
“As a club we will assist the Northamptonshire FA and Leicestershire and Rutland FA with their investigations to ensure the individuals are swiftly held to account.
“GNG Oadby Town FC believes that the individuals responsible should be dealt with firmly by both the FAs to ensure that such an incident is never repeated.
“We stand against racism and discrimination in any form and condemn the use of racist language and behaviour at all levels of the game and in society as a whole.”
The statement said that the incident has been acknowledged by the Northampton ON Chenecks FC management on social media and added: “We do not believe this is a reflection of the Northampton ON Chenecks FC fan base as a whole and sincerely respect their support shown in the matter on the day. “
The Chenecks club secretary Bryan Lewin said: “The Northampton ON Chenecks v GNG Oadby Town game was abandoned by the referee in the 82nd minute with the score 1-0 to the home side.
“This followed an incident which occurred initially between the Oadby goalkeeper and some individuals who were attending the match.
“Chenecks are co-operating with the Northamptonshire FA to investigate the matter and are awaiting the referee’s report.”
A spokesman for the United Counties League said: “The incident that caused the game to be abandoned will be investigated by the relevant county football association and until that has taken place we are unable to make a comment.”