Tonbridge Angels statement on racism allegation
Blue Square Bet South side Tonbridge Angels have issued the following statement in response to claims of racist abuse taking place during their fixture with Hayes & Yeading at Longmead Stadium on 17 November:
There has been a lot of speculation and concern following the Courier newspaper headlines published yesterday. The club have therefore issued the following response:
• Tonbridge Angels FC have not received any official complaint regarding racial abuse and is unaware of any such complaint being made
• The match referee, linesmen, referees assessor together with an F.A. Official at the game did not witness any such racial abuse
• The club are surprised by the comments allegedly coming from Hayes & Yeading Directors. Tonbridge Angels FC entertained 14 Hayes & Yeading Directors/Board Members in the Boardroom last Saturday and they all thanked us for our hospitality as they left
• Tonbridge Angels FC have no knowledge of any racial issues at previous matches between the two clubs
• Delroy Preddie, (the alleged victim of the racial abuse according to the article) has confirmed to the Tonbridge Angels FC management team that he was NOT subjected to any racial abuse before, during or after the game
• Tonbridge Angels FC will not tolerate racial abuse (zero tolerance) and if anybody witnessed any such racial abuse they are urged to write to the club with their observations
The club are saddened that a local newspaper feels the need to sensationalise such unproven accusations against a local football club and the Board are considering making a formal complaint to the Press Complaints Commission.
From Tonbridge Angels