AFC Telford investigating alleged racist abuse toward Matthew Barnes-Homer during Shropshire cup clash
AFC Telford have announced that they are investigating alleged racist abuse towards Matthew Barnes-Homer during their Shropshire FA Huddersfield Cup semi-final defeat to Whitchurch Alport.
The Bucks lost on penalties to Alport, who hosted the game, with the Bucks today made aware of alleged abuse during the penalty shoot-out. Barnes-Homer captained the Bucks' side in the defeat.
In a statement issued online, Telford confirmed that they are working with Whitchurch Alport and the Shropshire FA to investigate the allegations.
"AFC Telford United have been made aware by the club’s supporters, management staff & players of the alleged racist chants/comments from a small section of the home crowd during the penalty shoot-out of last night’s Shropshire FA Huddersfield Cup semi final tie at Whitchurch Alport." read the statement.
"As a club, we are fiercely committed to stamping out all types of discrimination within the game and are presently working in cooperation with both the Shropshire FA and Whitchurch Alport to investigate all allegations of racist abuse.
"We would like to encourage anybody who has any further information to contact the club at their earliest possible convenience."
The news comes at a time when racism in football is firmly under the spotlight, following abuse targetting several players, including Raheem Sterling, during England's recent European Championship qualifier against Montenegro.
Former Wolves defender Nathan Byrne and Derby winger Duane Holmes were also allegedly abused this month, whilst Troy Deeney and several of his Watford teammates were also victims of alleged abuse online following their FA Cup win over Wolves last weekend.
A man from Telford had also been arrested after racist comments were made at the FA Trophy match between AFC Telford and Leyton Orient last month.
