Barnet players are locked in racism row as they take to the pitch under protest for National League clash with Southend after a member of their coaching staff allegedly called an opposition player a ‘monkey’ during defeat by Stockport
- Barnet players took to the pitch under protest against Southend on Tuesday
- A member of their coaching staff allegedly made a racist comment last Saturday
- They allegedly called Stockport player Ryan Johnson a ‘monkey’ in the defeat
- Barnet players then requested that the coach not attend training on Monday
- They tried to boycott Tuesday’s game but were ‘threatened with the sack’
Barnet’s players are locked in a remarkable row with their club over an allegation that a member of their coaching staff made a racist comment, taking to the pitch for Tuesday night’s National League clash with Southend under protest.
It is alleged that the coach’s comment was made during Saturday’s home defeat by Stockport at the Hive London and was aimed at visiting player Ryan Johnson. The claim is that the 25-year-old defender was called a ‘monkey’.
The fallout saw Barnet’s players request that the member of staff involved in the alleged incident not attend training on Monday.
Captain Jamie Turley is said to have delivered that message on behalf of his team-mates.
However, Turley was not in the squad for Tuesday night’s trip to Southend after being suspended by his club pending an investigation.
After threatening to boycott the National League fixture, it only went ahead after players were ‘threatened with the sack’, according to the Daily Mirror.
Barnet chairman Anthony Kleanthous says he is not aware of that ‘termination’ threat.
Barnet players took to the pitch under protest against Southend on Tuesday after an allegation that a member of their coaching staff made a racist comment
In a statement on Tuesday, Barnet said investigations took place in full on the day.
‘This was conducted by the Safety Officer, who has overarching authority over these matters on match days, and in consultation with the attending police present at the game,’ the Championship club said.
‘Witnesses were interviewed with statements taken and the matter was reported to the London Matchday Silver Commander in a debrief to MO6 HQ Football Unit in line with MPS Policy.
Barnet chairman Anthony Kleanthous (pictured) says he is not aware of the ‘termination’ threat
‘The Senior Police Officer at the scene confirmed there was no allegation or substance for a criminal investigation to take place.
‘The club is currently collating information for the FA to review in line with its regulatory responsibilities.
‘The club would like to assure all those involved and all supporters that Barnet football club takes its social responsibilities very seriously and will always act with full integrity when investigating any matter.
‘The club takes a zero tolerance approach to any forms of discrimination or abuse and will always act swiftly and robustly to deal with any such behaviour.’