Two clubs release statement after players hear homophobic chants and racism

Two clubs have decided to release a statement each after players hear homophobic chants and racism during a midweek fixture.

Wisbech Town was the host venue as AFC Emneth of the Cambridgeshire County Football League Kershaw Senior Division took on Isthmian League North Division outfit Wroxham in a Norfolk Senior Cup quarter final clash.

It was a dominant display from the higher division club, winning 8-0 in front of a reported 350 fans on Tuesday night.

It has been claimed that the Wroxham goalkeeper was subject to homophobic chants, and that a 17 year old player was racially abused.

Wroxham FC chairman Lee Robson has spoken of his anger after seeing racist and homophobic abuse aimed at his club’s players during a match against AFC Emneth. https://t.co/5zFsLYJo9H

— Eastern Daily Press (@EDP24) March 2, 2023

Wroxham chairman Lee Robson said as per Eastern Daily Press: “It started with chanting directed at our goalkeeper from spectators behind the goal and then when a player went down on the halfway line he was given quite personal racist abuse.

“The player is shocked and very upset as are we. I’m very angry about this.

“For me it’s not a football matter, this person needs to be identified and prosecuted.

“People can’t be allowed to go to football and direct this kind of abuse and get away with it.

“We’ll pursue this until those responsible are prosecuted, this is a criminal offence and we expect action, we don’t tolerate this in any way.

“We are now supporting the players and their families and will provide further statements as the investigation progresses.”

Following the incidents, Emneth asked its supporters to assist with enquiries and said it would remind those within the club of its “zero tolerance” approach to racism and homophobia.

Absolutely horrific to hear of racist and homophobic abuse at this week’s cup tie. I sincerely hope that the league authorities pursue meaningful action over these incidents, and that the perpetrators are brought to account. #NoRoomforRacism https://t.co/vUY1dOYzde

— Alfie Penfold (@AlfiePenfoldUK) March 2, 2023

WROXHAM STATEMENT:

There were a number of incidents at last night’s fixture between AFC Emneth and Wroxham FC at Wisbech.
At last night’s Norfolk Senior Cup game against AFC Emneth, which took place at Wisbech Football Club’s Fountain Fresh Park stadium, some of our player’s sadly experienced racist and homophobic abuse on the pitch from spectators.

Wroxham FC has a zero tolerance policy for such actions and is working closely with both Norfolk FA and AFC Emneth in the investigation into this matter.

Anyone affected by this incident will be fully supported whilst this takes place.

AFC EMNETH STATEMENT:

The football club is investigating reports of racism which occurred last night at our game against Wroxham football club.

We must remind all players, friends and associates within the club that we have a zero tolerance on any form of racism or discrimination and will act on it with any means necessary.

We are assisting the FA and Wroxham with all enquiries and would encourage witnesses to come forward and assist with the enquiry.

Thanks to the many what support the club in a fantastic manner. AFC Emneth.

Fans reacted as two clubs take to release a statement each after players hear homophobic chants and racism…

@m1cr0wav3d: Inexcusable. And as already stated by others, there will be people who can identify the offender(s) in a crowd that size.

@Canaryjoe1: There were people at the game last night who know exactly who it was, the bloke behind the goal with his teenage hangers on. Whether they come forward with that information is something else unfortunately

@Metty1969: Disgusting

@KFoogler: Well done to @AFCEmneth and @The_Yachtsmen for taking action on this. Credit is also due to the referee last night for taking prompt action. Well done to everyone for standing together in stamping out such despicable behaviour. #ShowRacismtheRedCard #NoRoomForRacism #Kickitout

@jackrawson14: Fucking idiots

@nathanw94258962: Massive night. Enjoyed by all, but a minority of brainless morons attending their first and only Badger game all season…… disgrace. Anyone wanting to put a witness statement then please contact @AFCEmneth #NoToRacism

Clive N Lynne Bygrave: It was a large crowd of 350. A lot of them would be hyped up locals that don’t usually support either team. They come in great expectancy of an upset as Emneth are unbeaten in 15 games scoring for fun in most games. When Wroxham not only won the game but did so with 8 goals of their own they had nothing left than to resort to racist name calling. No room in football for people like this.

Luke Bell: Inexcusable not only at football but anywhere. Sad that this still happens at all, but unfortunately it seems to be on the increase lately.