The Director of Fan Engagement at Morecambe Football Club says the club will not tolerate ‘hate and abuse’ after a video containing racist language appeared online.
A video, which has since been removed, appeared on a fan’s online page, where racist language could be heard on it, and was reported to the club.
The incident prompted a statement from the club, condemning the video ‘in the strongest possible terms’.
The statement said: ‘’Morecambe Football Club is aware of a video shared on social media recently, which included racist and offensive language. The club condemns this behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
‘’Racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct of any kind are completely unacceptable and are not tolerated at Morecambe Football Club. This applies both in person and online and includes anything posted or shared in connection with the club, its players, staff, supporters, or wider community.’’
‘’The club has reviewed this incident and taken appropriate action.
‘’We expect all supporters to uphold the values of respect, inclusion, and equality that this club stands for. Any individual engaging in racist or discriminatory behaviour, whether inside the stadium or on social media, will face serious consequences.’’
Tarnia Elsworth, Morecambe’s Director of Fan Engagement, said the club was now investigating.
Speaking to Beyond Radio, she said: ‘’We know that 99.9 per cent of fans aren't an issue.
‘’They support the club and they put appropriate things online. However, we feel as a club that this one crosses that line and we're investigating it in the strongest possible terms.''
‘’As a club and as a community there's no place for racism and this kind of thing will be dealt with strongly and robustly.
‘’The police were contacted and it's been passed over. They've decided that it's not within their remit to do anything with it at this time. But they encouraged us if things like this do happen in the future to keep open channels with them about these incidents.
‘’99.999 per cent of the fans behave within reasonable parameters and we're grateful for that. However, there is that small minority who feel empowered for whatever reason to share these things and it won't be tolerated anywhere in society and definitely not at Morecambe Football Club.’’
The club added that consequences for those found to be responsible for such behaviour include a permanent or time-limited stadium ban, withdrawal or cancellation of season tickets or membership, referral to the police or relevant authorities an a report to football governing bodies.
They also urged anyone who witnesses or receives discriminatory abuse to report it directly to the club or to matchday officials. All reports will be treated confidentially and with the appropriate seriousness.
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