Salford City say they are “extremely disappointed” after police investigating reports a player was racially abused by a spectator during a match against York City found there was no evidence of a hate crime.
The club will request an independent review to reconsider the decision by North Yorkshire Police (NYP) not to charge the alleged perpetrator.
Defender Adebola Oluwo reported being racially abused by a person in the crowd in the 85th minute of Salford’s pre-season game against York City on 11 July.
The match was immediately stopped and then subsequently abandoned. A 23-year-old man from York was later arrested by NYP after the alleged incident had taken place.
But on Friday 9 September, NYP confirmed they had decided not to charge the accused individual and were “satisfied that no offences had occurred.”
They explained that there is “no evidence to corroborate the report which was made, following a thorough and detailed investigation.”
However, Salford City say a number of first-hand accounts of the abuse were provided by those present at the game, and they will be reconsidering an independent review to have the outcome reconsidered.
A club statement said: “Salford City Football Club is extremely disappointed with the findings of the investigation by North Yorkshire Police, and the subsequent decision not to charge the individual responsible for the racist abuse aimed at Adebola Oluwo.
“It is particularly concerning how the investigation concludes that there is no evidence to corroborate the report of abuse, despite a number of first-hand accounts of the abuse from those present at the fixture.
“This includes from the match officials, who we know, through discussions with the Professional Game Match Official (PGMO), gave verbal statements on the night and provided their details for the investigating team to follow up, but have not been contacted.
“Having spoken with Adebola and sought further advice on the matter, including legal, we will be exercising the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme to request an independent review to reconsider this outcome.
Our players, coaching staff, members and everybody at our Club stand united with Adebola, and we have also engaged the English Football League (EFL), the Professional Footballers ‘ Association (the players’ union), and Kick It Out, who have all offered their full and unequivocal support for the review application.
“The match officials, supported by their governing body PGMO, remain available to be contacted to provide their impartial accounts of events that evening.”
Salford City say they will pursue every available avenue to ensure accountability, and together send a clear message that racism has no place in the sport.
North Yorkshire Police have highlighted that they will continue to work closely with York City Football Club to take a zero-tolerance approach, ensuring that any incident is fully investigated.
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