Exeter City and Northampton Town have both released statements on their websites after an alleged racist incident in Tuesday night’s Papa John’s trophy game.
The game finished 2-1 to the League One side but the game will be overshadowed by yet another racial discrimination incident in English football. Both clubs will investigate the matter in which a fan made a comment to one of the Northampton players.
The Northampton player made the match officials aware of the situation and Exeter have confirmed they are working with the police to find the person involved.
Exeter City Confirm They are Investigating a Suspected Discriminatory Comment
Exeter City Statement
The Grecians were playing Northampton in a Papa John’s Trophy game when the comment was made to one of the players. Both clubs have confirmed an investigation is taking place and Northampton have confirmed their backing for the player involved.
In a statement on the Exeter City website, the club said: “Exeter City Football Club has been made aware of a report of a suspected discriminatory comment from a member of the crowd at last night’s match against Northampton Town.
“The comment was aimed towards a visiting player and was reported to the referee who spoke to a player on each side and both managers.”
A club spokesperson said: “The club works tirelessly to make sure that Exeter City is an inclusive and diverse club, and that St James Park is welcoming to everyone, regardless of race, identity, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Discrimination is not welcome at our club.
“Exeter City takes a zero-tolerance policy on this matter and the club is working with the Police, Northampton Town and the match officials to get a better understanding of the incident and take the matter further.”
Northampton Town Also Release Statement
The Cobblers meanwhile have also released a statement following last night’s game reiterating their support for their player.
A club statement read: “Northampton Town Football Club are aware of an alleged discriminatory comment made by a supporter towards one of our players at Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy tie with Exeter City.
“This was reported by our player to the match referee in the correct way so the matter can be investigated and we will continue to support that process with both the authorities and Exeter City Football Club.
“The player concerned has the club’s complete support in this matter.”
Another Miserable Night For English Football
It was yet another night for English football to forget with yet another incident involving the return of fans. This incident fell on the same night Millwall and Queens Park Rangers put on a united front against racial discrimination after Saturday’s events at The Den.
The incident at St James Park will be in the headlines alongside the events in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League game with Istanbul Basaksehir. Both teams walked off the pitch after an alleged racist remark made by the fourth official to the Basaksehir bench during the first half of the game.
Both the Premier League and EFL launched initiatives this month designed to combat discrimination in football. However, all the hard work being done by clubs and fans are being tarnished by individuals.
The return of fans has largely brought the joy back to football but the behaviour of individuals is ruining the fans return. Yet another discussion on discrimination in football will take place. Exeter City and Northampton Town have both reiterated their stances that there is no room for racism in football.
But this has been another miserable night for English football with racial discrimination dominating the discussion.
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