In a statement by Walthamstow FC chairman Andy Perkins, the club have announced that they have banned an individual indefinitely following an allegation of racist comments made towards an Athletic Newham player after Stow’s 2-1 victory on Saturday.
No Longer Welcome
In the statement Perkins said, “I was told one of our ‘supporters’ made a racist comment to an Athletic Newham player after the game.”
“The person in question denies using such language but I can’t take the chance.”
“We are an East End club happy in our diversity and we want success in a society where racism has no place. I have apologised to Athletic Newham and told the person concerned he is no longer welcome at the club.”
“We will deal with any form of discrimination in the same way. Walthamstow FC is welcoming to all.”
Brothers And Sisters
Perkins was quick to thank the majority of Walthamstow fans – affectionately known as ‘The Rabble’ – who make Wadham Lodge a welcoming environment to fans and “a place where other teams know they’ll get a tough game.”
Perkins also explained his own story, and why he is strong on making sure Walthamstow is a welcoming place. “My dad was a supporter of this club from the 1930s and a Committee member until he died. One of his favourite players was Delroy Rhoden…. a Jamaican lad.”
“At the end of one match in the 1980’s he felt that the ref had been racist towards Delroy, he got the physio’s bucket of water and threw it over the ref. He was the mildest of people but when he saw racism it made his blood boil.”
“Dad called everyone ‘brother’ or ‘sister’, rather than ‘mate’ or ‘guv’. That’s Walthamstow FC, that’s who we are; all brothers and sisters. That’s what my dad taught me, and he was right!”
You can view the full statement here
