FA investigating allegation of racist abuse in Mansfield v Sheffield Wednesday "friendly"
The Stags have been in touch with both the Football Association and Nottinghamshire Police regarding an alleged incident.
Last updated 31st Jul 2018
Mansfield have reported an allegation of racist abuse towards captain Krystian Pearce following the club's pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Stags have been in touch with both the Football Association and Nottinghamshire Police regarding an alleged incident.
The defender was shown a straight red card as the game ended with an ugly 22-man brawl.
After the game, Mansfield boss David Flitcroft claimed something had “riled” Pearce.
He told the Sheffield Star: “With seven or eight minutes to go Pearcey was visibly upset with something, so I got him off the pitch.
“Pearcey has a character and a calmness about him as everyone can see. Supporters around here have known him longer than me.
“He has a calmness and assurance when playing football. But something riled him. Something rattled him and I was worried that, with him looking so wound up, he might do the wrong thing.
“So I got him off the pitch - sensible management in a pre-season game when there are no points to play for.''
A statement from Mansfield confirming they had reported an allegation added: “The club has liaised with Kick It Out and will not be making any further comment until the investigations are concluded.”
Kick It Out released a statement on its Twitter feed: