[UK] English Schools' FA to investigate racial abuse
Friday 28 Mar 2008
The English Schools' Football Association have taken the unprecedented step of setting up a commission to investigate allegations of racist abuse at a high-profile match in Devon last week.
The semi-final of the ESFA National Under-15s Trophy between Plymouth and Blackheath was abandoned after an official was knocked down in a touchline scuffle between players and supporters. Fighting followed in the car park and police were called.
Chief executive of the ESFA, John Read, revealed to The Daily Telegraph that despite reports being received by officials and coaches, a commission will interview witnesses to further investigate the allegations.
Both teams may be ejected from the competition - with the winner having been scheduled to meet Liverpool in the final - after the match was abandoned with Plymouth leading 2-1 in extra time.
Read said: "Due to the seriousness of the allegations, it has been decided to hold a commission. We've now received all the reports into the matter from the match officials and the teams' managers. Whether it will be two separate commissions held at locations near to each team, or one at a midway point we don't know yet, but it will have to be done within the next 28 days."
Brazil, India, Zambia, Azerbaijan and Palau are to be pilot countries in the International Inspiration Programme, which aims to deliver promises made by the London 2012 bid to change the lives of schoolchildren through sport.
Pride Park Ticket Giveaway
An event hosted by Derby's GAD Khalsa Sports will showcase some of the region's most promising Asian footballers at Derby's Pride Park Stadium this Monday.
And we've got 5 tickets to give away.
Events
30th May-1st June 2008
Kick It Out has teamed up with Grass Roots Football LIVE. More information coming soon. Click here to visit the event's website.
Andrei Shevchenko
"For me there are no racial differences whatsoever. As a player on the pitch I see only professionals, irrespective of the colour of their skin and regardless of their religion."
Andrei Shevchenko, Chelsea and Ukraine