WE ALL know that racism in football is a constant hot topic, with stories most weeks hitting the news, writes Stafford Rangers commercial manager Stuart Maun.
Whether it be chants or gestures from the crowd to each other, or abuse directed at the players on the field, I think we all probably agree there is no place for this in football.
And it is not just at the top flight or high profile games where it occurs. Recently the Evo Stik premier have issued statements concerning such behaviour which seems to be reappearing at our level of football.
You may have recently seen signs put up at Marston Road confirming our thoughts on the matter. Quite simply, we will not tolerate it.
An issue was raised by an opposing player recently accusing one of our fans using abusive racial comments towards him.
Naturally the player reported this to the referee (unfortunately at the end of the game when we could not take action).
We have also heard of visiting fans making racially abusive actions towards some of the Boro faithful. I personally cannot believe this still occurs.
I am naturally well behind the club’s aim to help “Kick Racism out of Football” and especially kick it out of Marston Road.
We will ensure that if any fan is found to be using racist comments they will be banned for life from the club, a statement that I am sure everyone agrees with and will support.
You can obviously help by notifying any member of the Rangers board or safety team immediately of any inappropriate behaviour to ensure we can remove individuals from the ground, to allow everyone else the opportunity to enjoy a family, fun environment at Marston Road.
For the official website on 'Kick Racism out of Football' visit http://www.kickitout.org
Up the Boro.
