Baiting of Bell was shameful to witness

THROUGH this column, the Stockport County Supporters Cooperative has tried to foster the notion that the County Family is very much worth being a part of, and we have oft times praised the many wholesome aspects of same.

Alas, from time to time, it becomes necessary to point out aspects that are anything but wholesome.

It was great to see James Gannon’s County team take on Curzon Ashton on Saturday, via You Tube, but it was the game away to Colne FC that I would like to refer to, a very competitive affair and ,so far, the only contest that has been watched by spectators.

On the field it turned out to be a most satisfactory run out for County, but off it I had a few concerns.

The stadium allowed mostly standing, thus there was no adherence at all to social distancing norms, and I noted just three masks throughout the game, and the writer was wearing one of them!

I am confident however that Edgeley Park’s all seater status will enable a more adequate approach to match day safety, when crowds are allowed in again, than was in evidence against Colne FC

My major concern however was the actions of some County fans who took it upon themselves to bait and mock Nyal Bell, a young black County player, before and during the match.

There is absolutely no justification in County fans abusing County players, young players especially, and Nyal is a Stockport born player with potential and time to improve, and like all County ‘s team, needs the support of the fan base not the opposite.

Thankfully the response from the overwhelming majority of County supporters was supportive of Bell, and this was brilliant to see!

Well done that County majority- keep it up, keep supporting your team!