A non league manager resigns over alleged racist abuse from fans in three successive matches it has emerged on Sunday afternoon.
Atherstone Town’s now former manager Scott Rickards boss said he “could no longer be part of the club” with secretary Dave Turner after their side won the Midland League Division One game at Stafford Town 3-0 on Saturday
Bloody 'el….@FCAtherstone's manager Scott Rickards and the club secretary quit in the wake of more allegations of racism made against the club's fans.
Credit to chairman @BrianHenney too, this response has been swift and robust ?https://t.co/5NUs9PRV8h
— Andy Mitchell (@sirandymitchell) February 16, 2020
That fixture was briefly halted when Stafford keeper Samuel Amedu was abused, which then got reported to officials.
Atherstone, who are in the Quarter Finals of the FA Vase, said the fans responsible were identified and “will now face lifetime bans”.
I would like to place on record that tonight I have stepped down from my position as first team manager of Atherstone Town FC following today’s incidents at our away game at Stafford town.
— Scott Rickards (@rickdog10) February 15, 2020
Former manager Scott Rickards said he “could no longer be part of the club”.
He told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: “I’ve got black players who play for my team – where do I stand morally and ethically if I say let’s just deal with that person and move on?
“Instantly the club made a statement about dealing with the individuals, and I made my stance along with my assistant. When a club has a stigma attached to it and you’re at the helm as the manager, if I go and support that where does that leave me as a coach and a manager?
“There were some racism allegations made by staff of Worcester City after the first leg of our FA Vase game recently, but the club wasn’t able to find evidence that it was true.
“We don’t manage football games to be abused, whether racially, verbally or physically – it shouldn’t be part of football full stop, let alone at our level.”
@kickitout @MidlandLeague #STFC pic.twitter.com/3cgNPpEm9R
— Stafford Town FC 1st (@StaffordTown1st) February 15, 2020
Stafford released a short statement of their own, which thanked Atherstone for their swift action in identifying the alleged culprits.
Atherstone have not yet reported the incident to police, but they are expected to after a club meeting which is expected to take place on Wednesday.
Fans gave their reaction on Twitter when seeing a non league manager resigns over alleged racist abuse from fans in three successive matches…
Have heard and read about the rationale behind your decision and full respect to you. You are to be commended for your actions. ??????
— Lee Millard (@Lee_Millard1) February 15, 2020
Bold statement gents and something we can all look to as leading the way in our stand against racism. Very inspiring well done ??????
— Craig Milligan (@SimplyMilly84) February 16, 2020
So the few will determine the future of this club? No!!!! The decent folk will always win. Stay and sort it out on and off the field.
— Paul Smith (@ps460) February 16, 2020
The idiots have to be made to leave our game and the only way is to stand up against them
— Coleshill Town FC (@coleshilltownfc) February 16, 2020
I wished others had this level of high moral attitude Scott and I am sure wherever you go next the club will have picked up a coach that will go far with your moral background …
— mongrel ??☺️???????????? (@ianrobo1) February 16, 2020
Head held high mate ??
Reading what I have you had no choice mate awful behaviour ?
— Neil Tooth (@Toothy1575) February 15, 2020
Gutted! Mike and yourself were exactly what we needed. We all just knew you were taking us places.
— Kerry Pragnell (@biccabic) February 15, 2020
Please reconsider Scot, don’t let the minority win, work together to out the trouble makers who have jumped on the success bus
— Steveblount (@Steveblount7) February 15, 2020
WOW, so much respect for you doing this and taking this stance after your achievements this season ?? Racism should not be tolerated whatsoever ⚽️
— Bec (@Beckyjarv_) February 16, 2020
100% the right decision Scott ? doubt you will be out the game long
— phil hill (@philhill1979) February 16, 2020
I'm sorry I know it shouldn't happen but you resigning all that's doing is letting them win, Don't walk away stay & fight racial abuse from inside a great football club. PLEASE PLEASE HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART & BEAT THEM FROM THE INSIDE.
— Stephen Ball (@sjball1951) February 16, 2020
Hi Scott , respect and applaud your decision totally, however you’ve worked wonders for us , please have a good think though and maybe reconsider, it’s susceptible a shame to just throw everything away ?
— Joe Begley (@Salfordmainhead) February 16, 2020
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