Friday 15 May 2015 19:21, UK
The Football Association has angered prominent anti-racism ambassador Troy Townsend after ruling there was no proof that Hornchurch supporters racially abused his players during an Under-17 game this season.
Essex County Football Association opened disciplinary proceedings after allegations that Hornchurch fans ‘made loud monkey noises and banged their chests as part of their celebration’ after a late goal against Redbridge.
But three officials on an FA Disciplinary Commission reached a unanimous decision that the charge was “not proven”.
“No staff from either team actually witnessed the behaviour complained of,” noted Commission chairman Noel Casey, a barrister, and members Louise Dorling and Michael Kay. “Most of the evidence as to the said behaviour... was hearsay. Only one witness gave evidence as to hearing what he genuinely considered the noises complained of; his position on the pitch was not close to the AFCH (Hornchurch) supporters. Several AFCH spectators gave evidence that they had not witnessed the alleged behaviour.”
The ruling has infuriated Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education and Development manager, who has since quit as coach of Redbridge U17s.
“Many things about this case disappoint me.” Townsend told Sky Sports News HQ after the Commission’s reasons were published. “The written reasons are not a true reflection of the facts. The current system still has many flaws. This case is no longer, as there is no right to appeal, but what about other people who come up against this kind of injustice? What about my young players who basically have had their evidence dismissed? They know what they heard and know what they saw but, unlike the professional game where there is the advantage of video footage and other measures, people at grassroots will continue to have real doubts about whether these hearings will be found in their favour.”
The FA admitted it will “learn important lessons” following the case.
“It is custom and practice for the FA not to comment on individual cases.” said Heather Rabbatts, chair of the FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board. “However it is of continual importance for us to review how we investigate discrimination cases both at central and County level and we will be looking to learn important lessons from this case for the future.”
Senior Hornchurch officials say they found no evidence of wrongdoing after the club held a separate inquiry.
“I was gobsmacked by the allegations.” Colin McBride, Hornchurch chairman, told Sky Sports News HQ. “It has gone to a fair hearing, with credible Commission members, and nothing has been proven. We have black and mixed race players in our squad, and we take any allegation of racist behaviour involving our club seriously. We also had an internal club investigation into the allegations.”
