Players speak out on grim incident with Notts County fan during Barnet game

Players have took to speak out on a grim incident with a Notts County fan during the game against Barnet on Tuesday night.

A Magpies supporter has been arrested after a Barnet player was subjected to alleged racist comments, said police.

The referee stopped Tuesday night’s National League game at Meadow Lane for a short time after the comments were aimed at the Bees’ Rob Hall.

The club said a male was ejected from the stadium as part of their “zero-tolerance approach to discrimination”.

A man later handed himself into police and was arrested, said officers.

BBC Radio Nottingham commentator Charlie Slater updated his followers about the situation while there was a pause in the game following an announcement that a racist comment had been made from the Kop stand full of home fans.

Notts County said via Twitter: “In line with our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, a supporter has been ejected from Meadow Lane following a comment made at this evening’s match. We are cooperating with police to ensure the matter is dealt with appropriately.”

Let’s hear what the boss thought of last night’s convincing win. pic.twitter.com/QfExPSl37U

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) February 9, 2022

Sgt Andy Hallam from Nottinghamshire Police said officers were made aware of an allegation of racist abuse which led to a man being ejected from the ground.

He added: “A man handed himself in to police a short time later and has been arrested in connection with the incident. He remains in custody.”

Following the game, Notts County head coach Ian Burchnall said: “Both teams are against this. Nobody wants this in our game.

“So if one of the opposition players has had abuse directed at him, certainly racist abuse, then we are all in this together and you can see how our players responded on that.”

As mentioned, Notts County players speak out on the incident with a fan during the Barnet thrashing, see what they said below…

@Calroberts_: Firstly, racism can not be accepted at all! I hope he gets punished in the right way, we can only apologise too @RobHall46 for such idiotic behaviour from the fan, But on a positive what a great bounce back performance, delighted to get my 10th of the season! @Official_NCFC

@Kylecam97: I’m glad the club have dealt with tonight’s incident properly and have handed it over to the police to deal with further. Racism is not tolerated and I am disappointed with what happened this evening. Sincere apologies to @RobHall46. Took the shine off a great performance! +3

Twitter users reacted as players speak out on the grim incident with a Notts County fan during the Barnet game…

@burt123d: Dealt and punished by the police and then banned from Meadow Lane for life.

@chogger5: Please ban them for life we don’t want them at our club

@Ryan_McCourt2: First game he’s ever been too. Not a Notts fan, goodbye

@SamGuideDogTra1: Good to hear. That has no place at Meadow Lane.

@LGBTQPies: I seen a phone number flash up to report discrimination. Any chance we could have this around the ground? Happy to help pay for the printing.

@HarryPie1862: Prosecution and lifetime ban please.

@badgerstuta: Well dealt with by all involved. Those of you booing Grimsby taking the knee on Saturday need to have a long hard look in the mirror too

@RoooBroo: That’s all we can do. It’s not in our DNA. Probably not even a Notts fan! The skip rat!

@Helen_Faccio: Well done for acting quickly and decisively. This is not what our club is about and this person’s views do not represent the vast majority of our fans’ views. Hope the player involved is ok.

@Kaden3031: Bloody hell, Definitely a good response to the issue though so cheers to that.

@_beansmith_: Good, don’t come back

@ZackAllsop: Absolute disgrace drags down the name of the club

@MxBcardi: Lifetime ban please.

@bendawson_10: Never come back cheers

@davestillravin: Ban for life from Meadow Lane is the only punishment. @BarnetFC players were understandably visibly upset & are heroes for carrying on. I am so sorry this happened. We stand with you to show the bigots that there is no place for racism in football.

@IanSmedley74: Please ban them for life. Absolutely unacceptable behaviour.

@NottsGeezerCal: Why be racist? Seriously don’t get it, the guy was doing alot of moaning to the ref and diving before the racist comment, banter him about that not his race, braindead behaviour.. Racism ain’t welcome, some people need to move forward to the 21st century..