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Pan disability team left upset after youngsters verbally abuse them
15/03/2022
Easington Sports FC has hit out describing the behaviour as “completely unacceptable”
Players training with a pan disability football team in Banbury have been left upset after being subjected to verbal abuse by a group of youngsters. Easington Sports Pheonix Team were training on the AstroTurf at BGN school last night when the taunting took place.
The team were left extremely distressed by the experience.
The abuse was directed at the players by a group of boys who were hiding in the trees at the edge of the area. The team’s manager Seb Hartwell was unable to challenge the youngsters as he didn’t want to leave the players whilst they were upset.
Easington Sports FC has issued a statement saying: “This abuse is completely unacceptable and we will be working with the school to identify those involved.
“As a club we stand with Seb and his players and we offer them our full support.
“Easington Sports Football Club is an inclusive club for everyone – and we will not tolerate abuse aimed at any of our players.”
Whilst there is no suggestion the youngsters attend BGN, the school has told the football club they will help in trying to address the situation.
Easington Sports launched the Pheonix Pan Disability male football team in June last year as part of the club’s 75th anniversary celebrations. The team play in the BOBi League, which aims to provide regular footballing opportunities for children and adults with physical and learning difficulties across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Former Brackley Town player Seb Hartwell was recruited to manage the team.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Carol On 16/03/2022 at 1:28 am
The term ‘hate crime’ can be used to describe any crime or incident where the perpetrator is motivated by, or demonstrates, hostility or prejudice towards the victim because of their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity or if the victim is perceived to have those characteristics. Anyone could be a victim of hate crime.