Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club has taken swift action after 300 Bangladeshi youngsters were subject to vile and racist abuse by a minority of yobs. Complaints were made by the BFA and the Canary Wharf Group.
A statement from the club in the immediate aftermath of last Saturday’s home game read:
“The Club was appalled by the actions of a handful of supporters who verbally racially abused a group of young supporters at Saturday's match against Bradford City.
“The day, the Daggers Against Racism Day, was to be a celebration of the Club's diversity and for this to occur is inexcusable.
“A number of ejections were made on the day and the Club would like to thank the Stewards and the Metropolitan Police for the way the situation was handled and, through our Safety Officer Tony Payne, the Club will be liaising with the Police to identify the individuals concerned and appropriate action will be taken.
“A number of ejections were made on the day and the Club would like to thank the Stewards and the Metropolitan Police for the way the situation was handled and, through our Safety Officer Tony Payne, the Club will be liaising with the Police to identify the individuals concerned and appropriate action will be taken.
“The Club would like to apologise, firstly to the young people initially targeted, but also to anyone else affected by this vile abuse.
“However the Club is heartened by the level of support shown to the police and stewards on the day and the subsequent support from supporters online since.
“The actions of this small minority only highlights the need for such days as Saturday and that we all need to double our efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
“However the Club is heartened by the level of support shown to the police and stewards on the day and the subsequent support from supporters online since.
“The actions of this small minority only highlights the need for such days as Saturday and that we all need to double our efforts to eradicate all forms of discrimination.
In an update to the clubs original statement the club's Safety Officer Tony Payne has urgently reviewed the information and evidence regarding the disorder at the ground during the game against Bradford City last weekend.
As a result of this review 9 people have today been sent letters informing them they are banned from the ground following their actions on the day.
A further 15 people are likely to receive similar letters once their identity/addresses are confirmed.
The updated statement read: “This preliminary action taken by the club is an indication of how seriously we regard this matter, and is separate from any action that may be taken by the police.
“The club are continuing to assist the police as they investigate whether any of those people identified should also face criminal proceedings.”
Should any person have any further information that they believe could assist the club or police in these investigations they should use the contact details listed below.
As a result of this review 9 people have today been sent letters informing them they are banned from the ground following their actions on the day.
A further 15 people are likely to receive similar letters once their identity/addresses are confirmed.
The updated statement read: “This preliminary action taken by the club is an indication of how seriously we regard this matter, and is separate from any action that may be taken by the police.
“The club are continuing to assist the police as they investigate whether any of those people identified should also face criminal proceedings.”
Should any person have any further information that they believe could assist the club or police in these investigations they should use the contact details listed below.
Sara Odeen-Isbister has reported the story in the Barking & Dagenham post.
Councillor Cameron Geddes and I have shared views and he has made a vital point in stating that the club has had a good history of fighting racism. The Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits, told me that he was “not surprised they've acted quickly.”
I couldn’t agree more with Councillor Geddes and am chuffed at how my hometown team has responded. The club has reacted magnificently and I’ve written to them to highlight this.
Anybody who feels that they can help with these enquiries is urged to contact Tony Payne either by e-mail -Tony@daggerssafety.info or by post at the club.
Alternatively the Club's Police Liaison Officer, PC Mark Osborne can be contacted direct on 07786691558 or for complete confidentiality ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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