An investigation has been launched after a Darlington footballer was allegedly subjected to vile racist abuse by a fan during a clash against Spennymoor.
Spennymoor Town welcomed Darlington to Brewery Field on Saturday for a game that ended 1-1 after full-time. However, the match turned sour after Darlington player and former Spennymoor player Adriano Moke was allegedly racially abused by a fan in the stands.
In a statement, Spennymoor Town said it "abhors discrimination in all of its forms" and "will not tolerate" this sort of behaviour. The club is now looking to identify those responsible and said they will look to ban fans from the stadium for life if they're found to have acted in such a way.
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A spokesperson for the club said: "The Club can confirm that during Saturday's game against Darlington an allegation of racial abuse was made regarding comments aimed by a spectator towards a visiting player.
"We would like to make it absolutely clear that Spennymoor Town Football Club abhors discrimination in all of its forms and will not tolerate this sort of behaviour inside The Brewery Field.
"The Club will now work with the relevant authorities to try and identify those responsible and we will seek the maximum penalty and a lifetime ban from the stadium for anyone found guilty of such conduct. We would also urge anyone who has information that could support the investigation to contact the Club or the Police."
Adriano Moke called the alleged incident "disappointing" but thanked everyone for their support. He posted on Twitter: "Thanks everyone for all the well wishes, emotions were high yesterday but what I don’t want to see is more hate between the club's fans for the actions of one disappointing individual. Let’s put the baiting away. Leave the clubs do the right thing."
In response to Moke's tweet, Darlington simply said: "We are all with you."
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