MAIDSTONE United have backed joint manager Lloyd Hume following accusations that members of the home bench taunted Horsham's deaf and mute striker Lee Farrell during Saturday's match at Bourne Park.

Horsham boss and former Maidstone goalkeeper Johnny Maggs was sent-off at half-time following an altercation with Hume.

Horsham afterwards confirmed that they were reporting the matter to the Ryman League. But after conducting his own investigations with Hume and those sitting on the Maidstone bench, club chairman Paul Bowden-Brown cleared him of blame.

He said: "First, I want to say how seriously the club treat abuse of any kind. However, I'm satisfied that Lloyd has no case to answer.

"Lloyd has given me a full and frank response to the allegations and I fully support his version of events. If Lloyd was guilty of this, I wouldn't need to sack him as he would resign himself."

Hume added: "When John Maggs accused me of taking the mickey out of Lee, my response was immediate and clear. I did not know he was deaf, I did not call him any names relating to this affliction. How could I, I didn't know he had an affliction.

"I shook hands with Lee at the end of the game, congratulated him on his performance."

* Were you at the game? Did you see what happened? Contact the KM newsroom on 01622 695666 or e-mail messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

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