Last Sunday’s front page of The Non-League Paper was going to be about the first round proper of the FA Cup.
About the excitement of the upcoming draw at Maldon & Tiptree as Non-League clubs eagerly awaited those life-changing ties to come out of the hat – and what a draw it turned out to be.
It was going to be about those clubs daring to dream. Isthmian Premier club Carshalton Athletic after they upset National League side Dagenham & Redbridge. Or Nantwich Town, who beat National League North high-fliers King’s Lynn Town. Then there was the story of Kingstonian beating higher league opposition in Dartford.
There was also the drama at Potters Bar Town, who scored an equaliser against neighbours Barnet in the 11th minute of stoppage time to set up a replay. And there was the excitement of goalkeeper Alan Julian heading an injury-time equaliser at Sutton United to keep Billericay Town’s FA Cup dream alive.
The front page was supposed to carry pictures capturing all the emotion of this great competition on another action-packed day in Non-League football.
Instead, for the second time in a month, it carried a story about allegations of racism. Once again, the ugly side of society has reared its head in Non-League, and English, football.
On the back of the shameful scenes in Bulgaria when England players were racially abused and the game was twice suspended, Haringey Borough walked off the pitch following alleged racism towards goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat. Two men, aged 23 and 26, have since been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault.
The incident came in the 65th minute following a Yeovil penalty where he claims he was spat at and verbally abused by fans. The match didn’t restart and was abandoned. Boss Tom Loizou also said defender Coby Rowe was targeted.
English football was appalled when the men’s senior team was on the end of horrific abuse and there have been calls for strong action against Bulgaria and their authorities. We are equally appalled at these allegations.
FA chairman Greg Clarke spoke in the immediate aftermath of the Bulgaria game. He rightly pointed out that we must also look at the game in this country because there are issues that clearly need addressing.
There is no hiding from that fact. The conversation must include what we are doing about our game.
It’s four weeks since allegations were made during the National League game between Hartlepool United and Dover Athletic.
Dover players Inih Effiong and Ricky Modeste were subjected to racist abuse and gestures. Pools players heard it and were upset at what they saw coming from some of their home fans. While they considered walking off the pitch, in the end the game was played to a conclusion.
Hartlepool were rightly praised for their response to the situation and it looks like Yeovil have reacted in a similar way. Boss Darren Sarll says they stand alongside Haringey and the club say they will be cooperating with the investigation which The FA say is ongoing. The tie is to be replayed on Tuesday, October 29.
If proven, the two supporters should never watch a game of football in this country again. Of course, 99.9 per cent of Yeovil fans will be ashamed of what has allegedly happened. Hopefully anyone who has seen or heard anything comes forward to ensure the investigation can be as thorough as is needed.
As we’ve said before, we all have a responsibility to drive this abhorrent behaviour out of our game and out of our society.
No footballer, no person, should be attacked just because of their skin colour.
In a high-profile competition, Haringey’s actions will be seen far and wide. Hopefully this can be a stepping stone towards a better future. Their stand is to be applauded. In times gone past, the incident may not have come to light until after the game.
By stopping an FA Cup game in its tracks, the message will be louder. Racists are not welcome in our football grounds at any level. Only then can we get back to talking about the football.
