Over the weekend, it was reported in the press that Tividale Football Club’s away fixture with Whitchurch Alport was abandoned at half-time due to an ‘alleged racist comment’ towards a Tividale FC player. In response to this report and the ongoing social media comments concerning the reasons behind the abandonment, Tividale Football Club would like to thank the referee and their assistants for the professional way they handled the situation.

Although the comments were witnessed by the referee’s assistant in the 26th minute of the match the incident was not reported to the referee until half time. At this point, the referee brought the matter to the attention of the Tividale Football Club management, staff, and players, which is in line with FA protocol for instances of this nature. This was also explained to representatives of both clubs at the time.

The referee, again in line with FA protocol, gave the Tividale Football Club management and players the choice as to whether they proceeded with the second half of the match. As a group, the decision was taken not to continue with the game, to support our player and member of the Tividale FC family, making it clear that racism will not be tolerated by Tividale Football Club.

An FA investigation into the matter has now been launched and Tividale Football Club will make no further comments about the incident until it has been concluded.

The club is also aware of an incident involving one of the coaching staff after the game which is being investigated internally and once concluded appropriate action, if necessary, will be taken.

Tividale Football Club would like to place on record that it proudly represents a diverse and inclusive area of the Black Country, and as such will not tolerate any abuse, racist or otherwise, against our management, players, or supporters.