Kettering Town FC have issued a statement following racial abuse at their game against Redditch United.
This is not the first time the opposing team have been subjected to racism from Kettering Town.
Director of football at Kettering Town, Fabian Forde said:
"Let’s be completely honest with ourselves: this is not the first time. We can no longer hide behind the comforting lie that “it’s just a small minority” or “they don’t reflect the majority of our fans.” Every single time we dismiss hate by calling it a minority issue, we minimise the damage. The truth is, if the majority stays silent, that small minority becomes our identity. They tarnish our reputation in the eyes of opposition players, fans, and officials."
He emphasises the fact this abuse is not just happening on the grounds, it's happening online as well.
The club wants people to call out the minority.
"If you see someone typing hate online, call them out. If you hear someone shouting abuse next to you on a Saturday afternoon, don’t look away. Tell a steward. Identify them to the club."
"Speak up, call it out, and let’s reclaim who we actually are."
The director mentioned that the majority of fans are "good people" and support the team for the right reasons. He is "pleading" for support from these people.
Northamptonshire Police have not received a report following this but have said "racial abuse has no place in football or wider society".
In a separate Facebook post, the team urge anyone with information about the incident to come forwards and contact the club.
They said they will support any investigation as best as they can, "we all have a role to play in eradicating discrimination from our game."
