Rushden & Diamonds supporter handed ban after racist behaviour

AFC Rushden & Diamonds have shown they will not tolerate racist behaviour by banning a supporter from home games for five years.

Clive Williams, 69, of Wellingborough, has paid the price after an incident in the 1-1 draw against Barwell last September. The pensioner shouted a derogatory reference about Black Lives Matter towards Kai Williams.

Clive Williams subsequently appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court on May 25, where a charge of a racially aggravated public order offence was admitted. He received a fine of £1,136.

The club’s discipline committee then met in order to discuss any further action that should be taken, resulting in the five-year ban.

“The Board thanks the vast majority of our supporters who create a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere at Hayden Road but would remind everyone that any form of abuse or discrimination, at home or away, will not be tolerated,” said the club in a midweek statement.