Red card and ban wiped out for Horsham YM captain sent off after he was victim of racism
The red card shown to Horsham YM captain Gideon Acheampong – and four-match ban that went with it – after he went into the crowd following a racist comment has been overturned.
Acheampong was set for a four-match ban for the sending-off – one of five red cards shown as last week’s YM game at Eastbourne United ended in chaos and bitterness.
He went into the crowd to try to confront someone who made made a racist comment at home. In the scenes that followed he and two YM team-mates were sent off along with two Eastbourne United players. It happened close to the end of United’s 1-0 SCFL premier division win.
Now Horsham YM have revealed that Acheampong’s red card has been rescinded. The other two red cards shown to YM players still stand.
The latest development came after Eastbourne United said someone had been suspended from all club acitivities while investigations into the incident continued.
A statement by Horsham YM chairman Steve Ratcliff issued on Friday (March 6) said: “Horsham YM is pleased to announce that following a formal appeal, the Sussex FA has overturned the four-match ban handed to our captain Gideon Acheampong.
"The Regulatory Commission upheld our appeal, ruling that the referee made an obvious error. After reviewing video footage, the Commission found no evidence of violent conduct by Gideon; consequently, the red card, dismissal fine and suspension have been removed from his record.
“While this remains an ongoing police investigation, we are delighted common sense has prevailed and Gideon is available for selection.
"We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Anwar Uddin MBE, Dr Troy Townsend MBE and the countless players and supporters across the country who have stood by Gideon and the club during this process. Your support has been invaluable.
"Moving forward, we will continue to assist Kick It Out, Sporting Integrity matters and the police to enusre this situation is fully resolved.
"However we reluctantly accept the bans for Jesse Sentamu and Richard Pingling have been upheld, despite a lack of clear visual evidence identifying either player as an aggressor. We stand united against racism.”