Advertisement

Haringey Borough vs Yeovil Town racism: Two men arrested over abuse that led to FA Cup walk off

Tom Kershaw

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that two men have been arrested as part of an investigation into the racial abuse that saw Haringey Borough walk off during their FA Cup qualifying match against Yeovil Town.

The men – aged 23 and 26 – were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and remain in police custody.

Haringey’s goalkeeper, Douglas Pajetat, was allegedly subjected to abuse from a travelling contingent of Yeovil fans, with further accusations of spitting and bottle-throwing aimed at the Cameroonian, while

Former defender Michael O’Donoghue said Haringey’s players were left “disgusted” and “distraught” by the abuse which caused the match to be abandoned in the 64th minute.

The team’s manager, Tom Loizou, told Sky Sports News: “There was no way that two or three of those players could have continued playing. What they heard was disgusting, they looked frightened.”

After the match, Haringey tweeted: “Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information. Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon.

“It must be said that 99.9% of Yeovil fans are also disgusted by what’s happened as much as we are. One club, one community.”

The FA said it is “deeply concerned” by the incident and was investigating “as a matter of urgency”, while anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out praised the “swift and decisive action” taken by Loizou and his players.

Haringey’s players walk off the pitch (PA)
Haringey’s players walk off the pitch (PA)

A statement read: “The reports relating to events at Haringey Borough...are of alleged racist abuse, and yet again means players are continuing to receive discriminatory abuse while doing their job.

“The Haringey manager and players took swift and decisive action as a result of the abuse, similar to that taken by the England team out in Bulgaria just five days ago.

“Kick It Out has informed the FA and will support the club in identifying the offender(s) to ensure appropriate action is taken and strong punishment issued.”