Walsall Wood youths face bans after alleged racist abuse

A group of 20-plus youngsters were boisterous in support of the hosts throughout Saturday’s 2-2 with City, a match that was manned by a small number of police.

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The encounter finished in erratic style with City's Dave Reynolds having a penalty saved with a minute to go and the score at 1-1.

Wood broke away and scored to move back in front within seconds only for Reynolds to then plunder a leveller six minutes into to 10 added on at the end.

Vincent went over to applaud City’s fans after the frantic finale but despite the best efforts of stewards, who drew praise from City supporters online, some of the youths followed and berated him, albeit from behind the barrier.

Irate City fans took to social media to allege racist remarks had been made, including Rhys Goode, the son of club chairman Steve Goode.

On a side note, YET AGAIN Ash Vincent was racially abused at the end of the game. Right next to a steward, within earshot of a club official and with a police officer made aware immediately.@WMPolice @WalsallWoodFC @WorcesterCityFc can you confirm if this was dealt with please?

— Rhys (@rhysgoode1) October 10, 2020

Vincent politely declined to comment on the incident other than to praise Wood’s response, particularly that of chairman Justin Hodgin who immediately apologised.

Hodgin confirmed an allegation of a racist remark had been made and despite past efforts to encourage the right behaviour from the youths, the Oak Park chief promised to banish anyone identified as being involved.

“We took all of the precautions that we believed we would need to,” said Hodgin.

“There were enough stewards and police but we will take any more precautions that we need to, including banning supporters if necessary.

“That is all we can do, we cannot do any more. The police were spoken to and those conversations will continue to make sure we control this.

“We will work together with police and our stewards to make it a better environment."

Asked whether that meant bans for anyone found to be involved in any wrongdoing, Hodgin replied: "100 per cent. This is a community club and we have tried to embrace the children but if that does not work, it does not work.

"We will take strongest possible action to make sure it does not carry on.”