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Southern Counties East League game between Croydon and Kennington abandoned at half-time after alleged racial abuse

Kennington's Southern Counties East League game at Croydon was abandoned at half-time on Saturday after an incident of alleged racial abuse.

The Division 1 match was goalless at the time, although leaders Kennington had been reduced to 10 in time added on when Joe Fisher was shown a straight red card for dangerous play.

Kennington's Sam Conlon, left, looks to hold off Croydon in the Southern Counties East League game at Homelands a week earlier Picture: Paul Amos
Kennington's Sam Conlon, left, looks to hold off Croydon in the Southern Counties East League game at Homelands a week earlier Picture: Paul Amos

It is unclear what exactly happened or who was involved.

Two minutes before that Tom Scorer thought he had given the visitors the lead only for the referee to rule his effort out after consultation with his assistant saying that the whole of the ball had not crossed the line.

The league has released a statement saying they are aware of the reports and that the matter is now in the hands of the Kent County FA.

The statement said: "The Southern Counties East Football League are aware of reports of racial abuse at the game between Croydon & Kennington on Saturday 29th February 2020, which was subsequently abandoned.

"This matter will be now investigated as per normal procedures by the appropriate county FA and it would be inappropriate for the league to comment or take any action while those investigations are being conducted.

"As a league, however, we again would like to say that there is absolutely no place for racism in football in any way, shape or form."

Both clubs have also been quick to state their opposition to any form of racism.

Kennington's statement, issued on Sunday saying: "Regarding the incident during our game yesterday, there will be a full and thorough investigation by the club and until the full facts are known we will not be making any further comments.

"People are quick to assume, what I do know is Kennington FC does not and will not accept any form of racism throughout the football club. "

Croydon's statement said: "Croydon FC are aware of reports of racial abuse at the match between Croydon FC and Kennington FC on Saturday 29th February 2020, which was subsequently abandoned.

"This matter will be now investigated as per the normal procedures by the appropriate County FA and it would be inappropriate for the club to comment while those investigations are being conducted.

"Croydon FC, would like to state that there is absolutely no place for racism in football in any way, shape or form."

The two teams had met in the league at Homelands the previous Saturday with Kennington running out 2-0 victors.

Croydon finished that match with 10 men after Hanif Charles-Berry received two yellow cards following fouls on Luke Hughes in quick succession.

Last November Erith and Belvedere assistant coach Brian Vanderhook stepped down after racist comments were aimed at his club's players in a SCEFL Premier Division match away to Hollands and Blair FC.

National League Dover's players were subjected to racial abuse during their game against Hartlepool in September.

Pools were subsequently handed a four-figure fine.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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