Maidstone United investigate claims racist comments were directed at Concord Rangers goalkeeper Myles Roberts

By: Matthew Panting mpanting@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 09:44, 12 September 2021

Updated: 10:39, 12 September 2021

Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams has asked supporters for help after claims of racist abuse at their match on Saturday.

The Stones drew 2-2 with Essex-based Concord Rangers in National League South, a game which saw visiting goalkeeper Myles Roberts red carded after picking up two yellow cards.

There was a crowd of over 2,000 people at The Gallagher on Saturday. Picture: Keith Gillard

Roberts is on loan at Concord from Premier League side Watford.

A crowd of 2,023 was at The Gallagher but Mr Williams wants help to identify who he believes are "only one or two" people.

He also asked that such incidents are reported at the time they happen rather than wait to report them initially on social media post-match. That suggests referee Joel Mannix was not made aware of the incident at the time it happened.

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Mr Williams said: “I am aware of allegations on Twitter by the Concord Rangers goalkeeper that racist comments were directed at him. We are sorry and dismayed to read this.

“Let me be crystal clear - racism has no place in our game and in our society as a whole.

Maidstone chief executive Bill Williams.

“If we are able to identify the culprit or culprits and I believe we’re only talking about one or two amongst a crowd of 2,000 – they will be dealt with in the strongest possible terms.

“If it was you and we’re not able to find you, let me say here and now: you’re not welcome at our ground ever again.

“If I can make one plea at this time – if anyone hears or sees anything untoward at matches, be you a player, official or supporter, please report it at that time. I fear the failure to do so on this occasion and leave it to social media a couple of hours later, will let those individuals off the hook and that is almost as sad as the incident itself.”

Concord Rangers said on Twitter: "Racism has no place in our game. Nobody should ever in any walk of life be subjected to racist abuse. Not today not tomorrow not any day."

Clubs including Hemel Hempstead and Chippenham posted messages of support to Roberts while Concord assistant boss Danny Green - the former Charlton winger - said: "On a sour note, our young goalkeeper received racist abuse this afternoon. A young man learning his trade on loan from a Premier League team, I’m absolutely gutted that this has happened.

"We will support him and stand with him every step of the way."