UPDATED: Police appeal after football player subjected to racial abuse in Dorset football match
Bridport FC says the spectator has now been banned for life from St Mary's
Last updated 11th Oct 2021
Dorset Police want to hear from witnesses to a football match between Bridport Reserves and Gillingham Town Reserves after it was abandoned at the weekend as a visiting player was subjected to racial abuse by a spectator.
Bridport FC's Chairman Adrian Scadding has apologised on behalf of the club and released a statement.
It was reported that a player for Gillingham Town FC was racially abused by a member of the public watching the match.
The referee intervened, before they were asked to leave the ground.
Scadding says the person involved has been banned for life from St Mary's with immediate effect.
The full statement posted on Bridport FC's website says:
"It is with regret that I can confirm that yesterday’s game between Bridport Reserves and Gillingham Town Reserves was abandoned after a visiting player was subjected to racial abuse by a spectator.
"The club, the Western League, Dorset Premier League, Dorset Leagues and the FA do not, and will not tolerate, behaviour of this kind and the person involved has been banned for life from St Mary’s, with immediate effect.
"On behalf of the club I would like to offer my sincere apologies to the player, everyone connected with Gillingham Town FC, the match officials and any one who attended the game for any hurt or distress caused by one person’s actions."
Inspector Matt Chutter, of West Dorset police, said: “We have launched a full investigation into this incident, which is being supported by both football clubs.
“As part of our enquiries we have spoken to the victim and taken his account of what happened.
“I understand there were a number of people at the match on Saturday and I would urge anyone who saw or heard the abuse to please contact Dorset Police.
“It is extremely important to stress that Dorset Police condemns hate crime of all forms and we are committed to continuing to work with local football clubs to investigate offences of this nature and ensure victims are supported.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210163978.