Racism-hit FA Cup tie to be replayed next week

Two men arrested after abandonment of Haringey-Yeovil clash

The FA Cup match between Haringey and Yeovil that was abandoned following alleged racist abuse is to be replayed next week, the FA has announced.

Saturday’s fourth qualifying round match at Haringey’s Coles Park ground saw the players walk off in the 64th minute, shortly after Yeovil had gone 1-0 up via a penalty.

Haringey said on Twitter that the game had been abandoned following racist abuse and their defender Coby Rowe said on his account that he had been a victim.

As well as Rowe receiving racist abuse from the crowd, Haringey goalkeeper Douglas Pajetat was spat on and had a bottle thrown at him, Borough chairman Aki Achillea has said.

The FA said in a statement yesterday: “Following the abandonment of the Emirates FA Cup fourth round qualifying fixture between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town, the FA Challenge Cup Committee has made the decision for the original fixture to be replayed on Tuesday 29 October at Haringey Borough FC.

“In the event that a replay is required this shall be played on Tuesday 5 November.”

Yesterday morning two men were arrested in connection with the matter. The Metropolitan Police said the men – aged 23 and 26 – had been arrested in Chard and Yeovil on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault.

The FA’s statement added: “Following the incident in the original tie and the two arrests already made, the FA’s investigation is ongoing.

“We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities on our investigation into the matter.”

Yeovil said in a statement that the game, to be replayed in its entirety, will have a 7.45pm kick-off, and added: “Further details on the match will be issued once the arrangements have been agreed by both clubs.

“This news means that our scheduled Vanarama National League game away at Chesterfield on October 29 will now be played at a later date, which is to be agreed.”

Meanwhile Manchester United ejected a fan from Old Trafford during Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool over alleged racial abuse.

United say they are investigating the matter as a priority and police have been informed.

A United spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident where an individual in the home section has allegedly engaged in racial abuse.”

It is understood the situation could lead to an indefinite ban.

A Brexit Party candidate and Abertay University lecturer has been accused of racism after saying black footballers should ignore racial abuse from the terraces.

Stuart Waiton, a lecturer in sociology and criminology, denied any racist intent behind his comments, which were made when asked about the decision by Haringey Borough FC to walk off the pitch after their goalkeeper was racially abused.

During the interview on Sky News, Dr Waiton said he believes there is an “increased sensitivity” to racially charged language, rather than an increase in racism itself.

He said players would not have considered walking off the pitch until the coverage of England’s match against Bulgaria, which was stopped twice due to the racist abuse of some English players.

Dr Waiton claimed society has now “elevated the significance” of certain words.

He said: “I am not convinced there is more racism, and I think there is less in British society.

“What there is is a growing sensitivity to it – and a growing sensitivity to the use of racist language.

“When I was involved in anti-racist campaigns, the concern was to do with structural inequality. People in power who would deny people jobs, equality and rights.

“Today anti-racism seems to be almost entirely focused on language.

“We are starting to lose recognition of part of what we need in society, to ignore idiots, not listen to them and carry on regardless. If we are going to stop every game because players are offended, you will never have any games.”

Critics claimed it is insensitive for him to suggest how black players should react to racist abuse.

Christina Jordean posted: “He’s not black or likely endured racial discrimination from birth, so don’t tell us how we should react to words you don’t see as ‘racial abuse’.”

Krishnan Parmar said: “Not sure you can tell any POC (People of Colour) players how offended they are allowed to be.”

Dr Waiton later denied any racist intent and said he was not on Twitter so has not read the accusations of racism made against him.

He said: “I think everybody’s opinion should be based and judged on what was actually said and not on what the colour of their skin is, or anything else.

“I am completely anti-racist. The first thing I got involved in politically was an anti-deportation campaign.”

But Abertay University moved to distance itself from Dr Waiton’s comments. A spokesman said: “The views expressed by Dr Waiton do not reflect those of Abertay University.

“Abertay is highly committed to tackling racism and we are fiercely proud of our reputation in this area, which includes being the first university in Scotland to receive a Race Equality Charter Mark for work to support equality and diversity on campus.”

The lecturer has denied any racist intent behind his comments.