Hemel v Maidstone descends into brawl with staff members attacked after racist incident

The National League South match Hemel Hempstead v Maidstone descends into brawl with staff members were attacked after a racist incident.

A football supporter who racially abused Maidstone club captain George Elokobi has since been given a life ban by his club following the ugly scenes that played out.

It came at the ends the Stones storming to a 4-0 victory to go two wins away from promotion, though happy scenes turned sour with the N-word aimed at Elokobi, who was making his first start in six months following injury.

Police were called to the stadium after both sets of supporters clashed, hoping to calm the situation down. Hemel Hempstead have since took quick action by identifying and banning the man responsible.

“A racial abuse incident took place at Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club after the final whistle,” said Tudors chairman David Boggins in a statement.

“Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club wants it to be known that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated at our club.

“The person in question has been identified and barred from our club for life and furthermore we will attempt to get this person barred from every football club in the country.”

Though David Boggins also aimed criticism towards Maidstone fans involved in the brawl, adding that their behaviour “was unacceptable and spoiled a really nice afternoon”.

He added: “We will stand strong against racial abuse every time and Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club apologises to the player concerned, and be assured we will endeavour to wipe this type of behaviour from the face of the earth.”

Speaking after the game, Stones boss Hakan Hayrettin said: “I don’t know what happened, all I know is that George Elokobi has been an exemplary professional all his life and for him to react, something must have been said.

“Our supporters must have heard it and they’ve said that’s not right. Other than that, I can’t comment on what’s happened.”

Elokobi previously spoke about racism when talking with the KentOnline Football Podcast three years ago.

“I feel like it’s becoming quite the norm,” he said.

“Is it going to stop any time soon? I doubt it.

“Education is key to help the ignorant people that do it because no one is born to be a racist.

“They pick it up from their communities, ie the parents, because no child comes into this world being a racist.

“It’s sad that it’s quite common nowadays.”

Social media users had their say as Hemel v Maidstone descends into a brawl with staff members attacked after the racist incident…

@jakeawayday: THERE SHOULD BE NO RASICT IN FOOTBALL AT ALL 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 ITS WAS A HOME FAN WHO WAS RASICT AND MAIDSTONE REACTED @hemelfc vs @maidstoneunited

@HtfcPatrick: That is never acceptable at any sporting event. Shame on that fan.

@kimtysoe: Disgusting

@nickypinks: Shocking. Disgraceful behaviour, not acceptable. I hope the fan gets a lifetime ban.

@MaxRoscoe8:
Sadly not the First Time a Hemel ‘Fan’ has been racist
When we visited them one of them said Fuc* off back to your Pak* Town
Don’t know what goes through peoples head sometimes

@TanniaCook: Such a shame that this happens no need for it. Both disgusting and innocent Hemel fans being assaulted. Stop these people from entering football clubs

@darylroots: @kickitout unbelievable racism towards @georgeelokobi by @hemelfc fans this afternoon, directors defending the culprit! Shocking, never seen or heard anything like it #kickitout

Has to done been racism has no place anywhere in life well done @hemelfc 👏

— Philip Sampson (@Phil_Sampson46) April 24, 2022

David White: Good to see. I do note that they don’t state it was a hemel supporter although they do say that he is now banned from Hemel. Shame to see they are in the same statement they are saying some maidstone supporters we not well behaved. Don’t know what they refer to there maybe the response to the incident.

Tom Stevens: Trying to divert the fact that they allow a racist into their ground

Joseph Parkhouse: Tom Stevens few Hemel fans apparently said the same guy does stuff like this quite regularly

Tom Stevens: Joseph Parkhouse it’s worrying to think that the club must have half known about it. To even have him in the clubhouse after for his safety, yet we spoiled the day 🤷🏻‍♂️

Joseph Parkhouse: Tom Stevens i don’t agree with any physical violence towards the racist because it should be left to the authorities so we avoid getting any trouble. But to say our fans spoiled the day is laughable

Spikey Spike: Where was the issue then from Maidstone fans? That idiot caused enough issues, thinking he was clever and would get away with it. Pleased Hemel have done what they needed to with him but don’t try and deflect across as if Maidstone fans caused the problem. Sort it out HHFC.

Keith Last: The way that’s written it’s clearly designed to point the finger at Stones fans. If I were involved in Maidstone Utd in an official capacity I’d be sending a strongly worded message to Hemel Hempstead FC requesting they put a further message out pointing out that the MUFC had nothing to do with the incident mentioned in this current release, which purely seems an attempt to pass the buck off nicely to an innocent party

David Gilliver: As Joseph says, physical confirmation isn’t ideal but does point to a) a good sense of togetherness amongst fans and players and b) some people who are willing to take action: for too long insignificant actions at all levels of football have left racism largely unpunished