Police launch investigation after claims of racist abuse at Haringey Borough v Yeovil football match
20 October 2019, 09:33
The police have launched an investigation after an FA Cup tie between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned because of racist abuse.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed to Global's Newsroom that they are investigating after reports of racist comments made during a match between Haringey Borough FC and Yeovil Town on Saturday.
A Met spokesperson said: "Officers are also investigating after items were reportedly thrown onto the playing area."
The home players were taken off the pitch by their manager after accusations of racism, bottle-throwing and spitting from Yeovil supporters which the Football Association is now investigating.
Their manager Tom Loizou told his players to leave the field and the referee admitted he could not guarantee the safety of the players.
Mr Loizou said a few of his players looked "a little bit disturbed, and a little bit frightened."
The manager said he walked on to the pitch and told the referee he was taking his player off.
Haringey Borough captain Rakim Richards says they had no choice, he said that kind of behaviour is not acceptable suggesting it should be "eradicated."
The Football Association said there is "no room for discrimination in our game" adding that they would work with match officials and authorities to investigate and take the "appropriate steps."
There is no room for discrimination in our game and we are working with the match officials and the relevant authorities, as a matter of urgency, to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps.
— The FA (@FA) October 19, 2019
In a statement, Yeovil Town FC said they would cooperate with the authorities and Haringey Borough FC "regarding events leading up to today’s fixture not being completed."
The club wrote: "We are aware that there are allegations that racist comments were made in the crowd and this allegation will be a key part of any investigation. Irrespective of the outcome of any investigations, we would like to make it clear that the club will not accept racism or discrimination in any form."
Avon and Somerset Police tweeted asking for anyone with information or footage of the match to make contact. The force said they would be supporting a Met Police investigation in any way they can.
Anyone with any information / footage of today’s incidents at Haringey please make contact direct with me to discuss if you wish to do so. #ytfc
— ASPolice YTFC (@ASPoliceYTFC) October 19, 2019
