Maidenhead United have confirmed they’re awaiting correspondence from the Football Association following an alleged racist incident during their match with Swindon Town Women on Sunday.
The Magpies lost the game 2-0, with Swindon scoring twice in the first half through Annabelle Colston and Isabelle Cook, but the reported incident of racist abuse in the first half is likely to be far more consequential for the club.
Maidenhead have put out a statement this afternoon saying it was aware of social media posts relating to the incident at York Road on Sunday (March 23).
Swindon have reported the incident to the FA and the FA Women’s National League and have confirmed the comment in question was reported to the match officials at the time, with the player immediately making the referee and club staff aware of what had happened.
The FA has offered its full and unequivocal support to the Swindon player who was reportedly subjected to racism by a Maidenhead player.
The Maidenhead United player in question has ‘categorically denied’ making a racist comment and has ‘the full support of the club while the matter is investigated’.
A statement from Swindon Town said: “Swindon Town Football Club does not tolerate any form of racism towards any of our players or staff, and we expect the FA to investigate fully and take the appropriate action.
“Racism has no place in the game at any level.”
Maidenhead United are cooperating fully on the matter, however, the club has said there should not be a ‘presumption of guilt regarding the incident’.
Their club statement this afternoon said: “Maidenhead United takes allegations of racism very seriously and, as you would expect, an internal investigation is already underway.
“It is important to highlight that the Maidenhead United player against whom the accusation has been made categorically denies making a racist comment to a Swindon Town player and has the full support of the club whilst the matter is being investigated.
“Maidenhead United, as an inclusive community football club, condemns any incidents of racism or discrimination wherever and whenever they occur and will not tolerate racist words or actions by any persons connected with the club. There should not, however, be a presumption of guilt regarding this incident.
“The club trusts in processes put in place by the FA in sensitive matters such as this and will assist fully with any investigation.
“No further public comment will be made at this time.”
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