Two games halted by racist incidents

Both Spalding United and Holbeach United’s matches on Saturday were delayed due to racist incidents.

Spalding United praised Corby Town’s swift actions during the Tulips’ 2-1 win at the Steelman in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
The club posted a statement saying: “Corby Town Football Club are disappointed to announce that a supporter was ejected from today’s match with Spalding United.
“In the 70th minute of today’s game, Spalding’s Riley O’Sullivan was racially abused by a member of the crowd and this behaviour is not tolerated at Steel Park or within the beautiful game we all come to play or watch.
“The supporter was immediately ejected and is now banned from Steel Park.
“I would like to thank Riley for accepting our apology on behalf of Corby Town Football Club and we apologise again publicly that he was subject to this abuse.
“We also would like to apologise to Spalding United Football Club and wish you all the very best moving forward.
“There is no need for racism or discrimination in any walk of life and any fans found guilty of this will be banned from Steel Park.”
O’Sullivan called the statement ‘class’.
He also posted on Twitter: “Absolutely crazy how racism is still in football In 2024.
“To be called a monkey at a football match is beyond me.”
A Spalding United statement said: “An unacceptable and shocking incident but handled very well by officials from Corby Town.
“We stand by Riley O’Sullivan as a club and will not accept racism or discrimination in any form.”
A video of the aftermath of the alleged racist incident from someone in attendance in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Division One North match between Holbeach United and Haverhill Borough on Saturday was circulated widely on social media.
The Lincolnshire FA have released a statement on the game which .finished 0-0: “Lincolnshire Football Association have been made aware of a video circulating on social media following an incident over the weekend at the men’s first team fixture between Holbeach United and Haverhill Borough.
“We have since received multiple reports, including from the match official, in relation to this incident and our discipline team will now begin a full investigation.
“Lincolnshire FA will work closely with those affected during this investigation and ensure the appropriate support is provided.”
Haverhill Borough said it ‘would be dealing with the appalling actions in the correct manner via the FA and leagues’.
Holbeach United responded: “We are extremely disappointed and apologise for the incident that occurred at today’s game.
“We will be doing everything we can to get to the bottom of this and deal with it accordingly.
“We will not tolerate anything like this at the club.”