Sussex non-league match marred by racist abuse storm
An investigation is under way after Horsham YM’s captain was the target of a racist comment by someone in the crowd during their SCFL premier division match at Eastbourne United on Saturday.
YM skipper Gideon Acheampong left the pitch to try to confront the person responsible and has been widely supported by his own team-mates and club and many others in Sussex football, who said there was no place for racism in football or society.
The incident – towards the end of YM’s 1-0 loss at The Oval Arena, which ended with red cards being shown to three YM players and two from United – was highlighted in a statement by Horsham YM chairman Steve Ratcliff, who said on X: “In our away match today an incident occurred where a YM player was racially abused.
"Horsham YM wishes to make its position clear: we utterly condemn the racial abuse directed towards one of our players. There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in football, in our community, or in society at large.
"Such behaviour is abhorrent and stands in direct opposition to the values of inclusivity, respect and sportsmanship that this club has upheld since its founding.
"We are providing our full support to the affected player and will make sure they have every resource necessary during this time.
"Horsham YM FC fully supports the work of Kick It Out and remains committed to their mission of ridding the game of tribalism and prejudice. We will continue to work closely with the Sussex County FA, Sussex Police and the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“We remind all that we operate a zero tolerance policy. Anyone found to be engaging in discriminatory behaviour will be issued with a lifetime ban from the club.
“Football is a game for everyone. We stand united against racism.”
Horsham YM manager Liam Giles confirmed to us Acheampong was the target of the comment and said: “We had three sent off, including Gideon. All three sent off for us were black players reacting to the abuse.
"I took the players off the pitch and asked Gideon if he was happy for us to finish the game. He didn’t want it to escalate so I took the players back on to the pitch.
“Gideon himself was sent off for leaving the field of play.
“There’s no place for racism in society whatsoever. Gideon will receive full support from myself, players, staff and management of the football club.”
Eastbourne United issued a statement of their own, saying: “Following today’s home fixture against Horsham YM, the club would like to address thr incident that occurred during the game.
"During the second half a Horsham YM player alleged that he had been subjected to racial abuse from a spectator and subsequently jumped the fence and left the field of play to confront the spectator. The individual in question was not identified at the time and we understand that following the match, no specific person could be confirmed when enquiries were made.
"It has also been brought to our attention that although the player stated he had informed the referee of the alleged abuse during the game the match officials confirmed they were not made aware of any complaint regarding racial abuse until after the incident unfolded.
“Eastbourne United takes any allegation of discrimination or racism extremely seriously. As a club, we are proud of our inclusive values and community spirit. We have never previously experienced a situation of this nature and we want to make it absolutely clear that racism or any form of discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
"Should any evidence come to light identifying an individual responsible for such behaviour, the club will take immediate and decisive action. This will include removal rom the club and the issuing of a lifetime ban.
"We ask that if any supporter has information relating to this incident they contact the club privately as a matter of urgency.
"We sincerely apologise to anyone affected or who witnessed the events during today’s match. The scenes that occurred are unacceptable and do not reflect the standards or values of Eastbourne United Football Club.
"The club will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and both teams to ensure that football remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.”