Torquay are to investigate an allegation of homophobic language made by a fan towards a referee in the game against Hampton & Richmond.
The Gulls issued a statement addressing the alleged incident following the National League South fixture, and emphasise their commitment to inclusivity, safety, and well-being, condemning any form of discriminatory abuse.
The incident is under investigation, with the club supporting the police in pursuing criminal charges if necessary.
Club Statement
➡️ https://t.co/hF1uLhSc2m#tufc pic.twitter.com/20sgkiomYI
— Torquay United FC (@TUFC1899) January 27, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
The Club is investigating an allegation of homophobic language being made by a Torquay United fan towards the referee [Harry Warner] at the end of Saturday’s match at Plainmoor against Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Torquay United is a family-friendly football club which values inclusivity and should be a place of safety and well-being for all fans, players and officials. The Club strongly condemns any use of discriminatory or abusive language of all kinds coming from anyone who purports to be a supporter of our Club. As a fan-owned, fan-led Club, Torquay United has a zero-tolerance policy and as such, anyone found to have committed an offence will face the strictest possible club sanctions, including a life ban. The Club will also fully support the police in pursuing criminal charges for offenders.
“There is no place for homophobia at Torquay United—football is for everyone, and Plainmoor is for everyone. At a time when we are seeing the largest crowds in more than 50 years and welcoming new fans and families to Plainmoor to enjoy watching Torquay United, this type of behaviour goes against everything we are trying to achieve here at your Club and will undermine our progress,” said Joe Lovell, Chief Executive Officer.
“Abuse and discriminatory behaviour is totally unacceptable and directly against our values as a club and a community. Beyond the harm and distress it causes individuals, it brings serious consequences for the club—reputational, financial, and sporting—including potential sanctions such as fines, reduction in crowd capacity and point deductions, all of which could have a material and tangible impact upon what happens on the pitch. We urge all supporters to stand with us and call out discrimination of all kinds, and ensure Plainmoor remains a welcoming, family-friendly and inclusive place for all,” added Lovell.
Supporters can report anything that they have seen or heard by emailing CallItOut@torquayunited.com.
The Club is proud of its passionate match day atmosphere and we are immensely proud of the vast majority our supporters both home and away, but the behaviour of some individuals will not be tolerated and has no place at Torquay United Football Club.
Torquay United Supporters Trust (@TUSTCOYY) tweeted: “There is absolutely no place for homophobia at our or anyone else’s football club. Football is for everyone! 💛💙”
The hosts fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Hampton & Richmond, Mauro Vilhete getting the only goal of the game in the 56th minute.
Boreham Wood are top with 52 points from 27 games, with a +25 goal difference, 2nd are Torquay with 52 points form 28 games and have a +16 GD, Worthing are 3rd place with 52 points form 27 games with +8 GD, Eastbourne are 4th with 52 points from 29 games played with a +8 GD.
Hampton & Richmond are 10th with 41 points from 27 games, 8 points from the playoff places.
Social media users reacted as Torquay investigate the allegation of homophobic language made by a fan towards a referee…
@dreckdub: Thank you TUFC for chasing this up, football is and should be for all
Michael Cook: Really don’t get why people feel the need to do this. All over a game of football is just pathetic and small mind mentality. Yes, when we lose will feel down, frustrated etc. But offloading abuse of any kind towards officials, players and other fans. Doesn’t change anything, just allows others to tar all of us with the same brush. Most importantly puts a dent in the hardwork that staff and volunteers at the club put in.
Angela Marie: Honestly – it’s such a shame that the vibe is being ruined by some Neanderthals. It’s 2025 – how is this still an insult.
CM Bittles: Not acceptable. Well said, TUFC 👊.
Les Quaintance: We don’t need that at our club. A bit of banter is just fun but careful what you said.
Jason Lee: imagine thinking about it, let alone saying it, hope the alleged homophobic culprit is caught and punished.
This a million times over. 💛 #TUFC https://t.co/HP6ft7ryeg pic.twitter.com/ajhX8m3TCX
— Thomas K (@Tommyktufc) January 27, 2025

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