Eastbourne United take action against suspect in racism storm
Eastbourne United say someone has been suspended from their club as they continue to investigate the racist incident that marred their SCFL premier division match at home to Horsham YM last week.
As we reported at the time, Horsham YM captain Gideon Acheampong had a racist remark directed at him towards the end of Saturday’s game and went into the crowd to try to confront the person responsible.
The ensuing melee led to five players – three from YM, including Acheampong, and two from United – being sent off and YM manager Liam Giles taking his players off the field for a short period. The match resumed and ended 1-0 to Eastbourne.
Both clubs issued statements at the time condemning the incident – and now United have issued a further update.
Their latest statement, which went out on Tuesday, says: “The club has been in close dialogue with Horsham YM, the Sussex FA, the player involved and Sussex Police following allegations made during Saturday’s fixture regarding an alleged racist remark by an individual in attendance.
"The individual concerned has been identified and suspended from all football club activities with immediate effect, pending the outcome of both the club’s internal investigation and any external investigations being undertaken. The police have been given details of the alleged individual.
"We are deeply sorry to the Horsham YM player who has been affected by this situation. There is absolutely NO place for racism in football or in everyday life.
“The club treats all allegations of discrimination with the utmost seriousness and is fully committed to supporting the ongoing work of the Kick It Out campaign and the wider fight against racism in football and society.
"We will provide further updates when appropriate and once the relevant processes have been concluded by the police.”