Atherstone Town Football Club players have threatened to walk out if racism continues to marr the club.

The warning was issued in a statement following the racist allegations made against a small minority of fans during their game versus Stafford Town.

Adders players have pledged to continue to play in the wake of the incident - but have warned they will not tolerate any further incidents.

Three supporters have been given life-time bans from the club as a police investigation continues.

And now other fans are being urged to report those displaying racist behaviour.

"Every single one of us condemns any form of racism and we will not accept or tolerate it," the statement reads.

"The recent racism amongst our own fans has left us disgusted and embarrassed to have to be associated with it.

"We understand that the culprits are under a lifetime ban from the ground, and the matter is now under police investigation.

"We’d like to place on record that if anymore of this disgusting behaviour happens we will be unwilling to represent Atherstone Town CFC again."

Police are  investigating the allegations of racist abuse being hurled at the Stafford Town keeepr Samuel Amedu.

Players are keen for Adders' fans to 'out' anyone who displays abusive and racist behaviour.

"We appeal to the true Atherstone fans to continue to support the team but more importantly if you hear or are aware of any abuse, or blatant use of obscene language, to out the individual/s, because that is the only way the situation can improve," the statement went on to stay.

Resignations

Following the resignation of manager Scott Rickards, assistant Mike Fowler and secretary Dave Turner, the club will now be managed in-house but the players were keen to pay tribute to the staff who left.

"We would like to thank Scott Rickards and Mike Fowler for their hard work, dedication and being two all round top class people," the statement went on.

"We fully understand that given their full time positions within football it would have been very difficult to stay on at Atherstone Town CFC. They’ve left on really good terms with us the players and have our utmost respect.

"Going forward, the team will be managed in house. We feel we already have the tools given to us by Scott and Mike to end this turbulent season on a high. No further comment will be made on this matter.

"Finally, contrary to what people may think, we have not taken the decision to continue playing lightly. We have all worked very hard to get to this position and refuse to let mindless idiots destroy it for us.
We respect the management’s stance on this matter but we feel it is not the only way to stand up for what we believe in."

Crunch meeting

The club itself has also issued a statement following a crunch meeting held yesterday to discuss the future.

"Following a meeting it has been agreed that the club will in house manage the team going forward with immediate effect until further notice," the statement says.

"Allegations of racial abuse from Saturday's game 15th Feb 2020 have now been passed to Staffordshire Police to investigate.

"The club stands firmly on its zero tolerance policy to racism in this matter, and persons identified are the subject of immediate life time bans."

Police statement

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 5pm on Monday 17 February Staffordshire Police received a call reporting a hate crime at a football match at Evans Park in Stafford on Saturday 15 February.

"We take all reports of racism and discriminatory behaviour very seriously and an investigation is underway."