Beckenham Town responds as shocking racist video from football match emerges

Beckenham Town responds as a shocking racist video from the The Wall v FC Elmstead football match emerges earlier this week.

In the video which is being shared across Twitter, a remark is heard as The Wall can be heard celebrating their win and reaching their first ever cup final.

It is filmed from the corner of one of the goal posts, and a male voice can be heard saying this is why they “won’t have The Wall ever again, or the SE Dons”.

The Wall is a grassroots team, who play in the Orpington and Bromley District Sunday Football League Senior Division. The SE Dons is also a well known Sunday League Football club based in south London.

As much as we talk about “kicking” racism out of football, it will never become a reality if we don’t kick it out of society first. Although we’re disappointed as a club, we’re not surprised at this incident that happened after the @officialwallfc beat FC Elmstead last Thursday pic.twitter.com/B6ElpqZGBc

— Sayce Holmes-Lewis (@sholmeslewis) April 20, 2022

A voice in the video then goes on to say “no respect, we can’t tell them to f*** off cause they just don’t listen to you.”

The Wall FC continue to celebrate the win in the background, before commentary says “the SE Dons will never play here”.

Another male voice can be heard agreeing, and says “our groundsman said the same thing after their cup final.”

The commentary continues: “Never play here, ever.

“George rings up every other week.”

A voice can then he heard saying “I’ll get ‘em off, lights out” before there is some laughing from those next to the camera.

A voice continues: “They only paid till 25 past and it’s 26. The funny thing is, if the lights go off, no one can see them.”

Another male can then be heard saying on the racist comment: “Oi, don’t you say that out loud again.”

The manager of The Wall FC shared the video on Twitter – and it’s since had more than 80,000 views, more than 400 retweets and more than 750 likes.

A statement from Beckenham Town FC said: “Beckenham Town Football Club strongly condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, and abuse.

“It has no place in society and as a club we strive to be inclusive and open to every individual in the community.

“We are fully cooperating with the London FA investigation into the abhorrent incident of racism following The Wall vs FC Elmstead at Eden Park Avenue.

“As part of the investigation the club is working tirelessly to identify the individual guilty of making the remarks.

“The comment was not made by any club official.

“As is appropriate in such circumstances, any individual will be dealt with in the strongest possible manner.”

We recognise the community concerns that have been expressed following the sharing of a video online and have released the following statement. https://t.co/CsfqbqSg6E pic.twitter.com/4WHe31LZeX

— Bromley MPS (@MPSBromley) April 21, 2022

As can be seen above, Bromley Police says it “recognises the community concerns that have been expressed following the sharing of a video online.”

Superintendent Andy Brittain said: “I am aware of the video that has been shared on social media.

“The comments that can be heard in it are unacceptable and have no place at a football ground or anywhere else in society.

“South London proudly embraces its diversity.

“The comments have understandably upset people in the local community and in the coming days, we will be engaging with them and providing what support we can.

“The club involved has issued a statement which we welcome.

“While we have not yet received a formal complaint, officers will be in contact with club officials as they determine what further action should be taken.”

BBC ONE interview for those that didn’t catch it!

Let’s ramp up the pressure on Beckenham Town. Their silence and deflective statements are extremely telling.

We demand they do the right thing should they wish to distance themselves from racists #BoycottBeckenhamTownFC pic.twitter.com/IkUrEooVgf

— TheWallFC (@officialwallfc) April 22, 2022

Twitter users react after Beckenham Town responds to the shocking racist video which emerges from the football match…

@SMMPCServices: It’s funny how no one from Beckenham made any sort of statement on camera to either ITV or the BBC. But then, the person who normally be expected to make club statements could have his voice compared with the voices heard in the video from the game couldn’t they?

@paulstingray: Well done lads for raising this nationally 👏👏

@PeterOClapton3: #Boycottbeckenhamtownfc Clear as day! But the police still need to investigate

@markjamess13: Totally agree, and people still choose to say Racism isn’t much of a problem, one racist slur is one too many tbh, away from football, and 5 year old Logan in wales tortured dehumanised and brutally killed by his step dad just because of the colour of his skin, it needs to end

@Cecil_jee: Just so people are aware, Paul (who we believe made the comments) was suppose to be interviewed as well today but pulled out! @beckenhamtownfc

@hicksydan: As a Beckenham fan I’m so sorry you’ve experienced this. This has made me feel sick, and I know other fans who feel exactly the same way.

@Striva: Nope no minority ethnic group within the UK would be surprised by this! I’m just glad you’re one of the brave ones happy to speak out about the blatant and indirect discrimination and/or racism we’re subjected to at grassroots level in ⚽️ football‼️

@hicksydan: Wtf is this @beckenhamtownfc ??

@LTorzBrown: What a sad day to hear this

@IndyThomas5:
You hear that “don’t say that out loud again comment”
THATS DANGEROUS!
Saying it out loud ❌
Keep it for your thoughts or to say behind closed doors with a select few around ✅
Smile in your face, stab you in your back!

@CarlyBird06: I am disgusted to hear that, there is no place for racism in football, EVER 🤬!! Havingwatched both @sedonsfc & @officialwallfc, both teams carry themselves with professionalism, respect, always polite & great ambassadors for football! #kickitout

@Mr_ITellYah: I’m surprised people are still surprised 🤷🏾‍♂️

@BennPhillips1: He’s been like this for years yet the footballing governing bodies let it slide every time. Time for change and I’m pleased everyone is now seeing his true colours if they already hadn’t before hand. #KickItOut

@CourtenayJayne: Livelihoods need to be at risk for racists to FINALLY realise that racism will not be tolerated. “Your ball” @beckenhamtownfc we will all be watching your next move.

@Beautiful_moose: This is so sad to see and hear. I really hope @beckenhamtownfc take action against this man. Racism in these types of “jokes” or “banter” as I am sure many will try to defend it as, have no place in football or society.

@Winjfigures: Always thought why would I get disrespected when I younger as their top scorer embarrassed I played for that racist owner scored 5 in 5 and they disrespected me aswell 🤔…..all makes sense now ….after this season I’m digging up that whole pitch disgraceful comment

@NLVlogs_: How is stuff like this still being said in 2022? There’s no excuse. Makes me ill man! 🤢🤢

@finjohnson18: I’m not even surprised. This is rife in non league because it’s rife in society. This is what they’re saying when they think they’re safe.

@samuelgiddings4: @beckenhamtownfc This is disgusting. What the hell have I just listened to. Anything other then the sacking of this scumbag is unnaceptable.