Skegness Town AFC wishes to address the events surrounding the abandonment of yesterday's fixture against Clay Cross Town, following an allegation of homophobic abuse during the second half.

Our priority: the allegation and a fair investigation

First and foremost, we want to make our position absolutely clear.

Skegness Town AFC does not tolerate homophobia, discrimination or abusive behaviour of any kind. This applies without exception to our players, management, club officials, volunteers, visiting teams and supporters.

Homophobic abuse has no place in football or in our community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone involved with our club, and our visitors, are treated with dignity, respect and fairness, regardless of their background, identity or sexual orientation.

We recognise that supporters understandably have questions about why yesterday's match was abandoned, the decisions made during the alleged incident, and the circumstances in which the game ultimately did not resume. We will, of course, seek answers to those questions from the relevant football authorities.

However, our overriding priority is the allegation itself: ensuring that it is investigated thoroughly, impartially and fairly, and that the facts are properly established before any conclusions are reached.

An allegation of homophobic abuse must be taken seriously. Equally, it is essential that any investigation follows the appropriate procedures, considers the available evidence and treats everyone involved fairly.

We will cooperate fully with The Football Association, the relevant County FA, and any other appropriate football authorities, throughout their enquiries. If the allegation is substantiated, the club will take all necessary and appropriate action in accordance with FA guidance, disciplinary procedures and our own standards of conduct.

We will not allow questions about the abandonment of the match to distract from the importance of establishing what happened and responding appropriately.

The circumstances surrounding the abandonment

We appreciate that many supporters are disappointed and want to understand the events that led to the match being abandoned, particularly as Skegness Town were leading 3–2 with approximately ten minutes of normal time remaining.

We believe it is important to explain the circumstances as we understand them, while allowing the appropriate investigation to take place.

During the second half, a Clay Cross Town player reported to the referee that he had allegedly been subjected to a homophobic comment by a Skegness Town player.

The referee informed both management teams of the allegation and confirmed that neither he nor his assistant referees had personally heard or witnessed the alleged abuse.

The referee subsequently instructed both teams to leave the field of play temporarily, explaining that this was required under FA protocols relating to allegations of discriminatory behaviour.

As a football club, we recognise and respect the authority of match officials and our responsibility to comply with their decisions, including where we may have questions about the interpretation or application of the relevant regulations or guidance.

Skegness Town therefore respected the referee's instructions, and our players left the field as requested.

Why the match did not resume

Following the temporary removal of the players, the referee held further discussions with both management teams. During these discussions, he again confirmed that neither he nor his assistant referees had personally heard or witnessed any homophobic abuse.

The referee then offered both teams the opportunity to return to the field and complete the remaining minutes of the fixture.

Skegness Town AFC confirmed that we were willing to resume the match and play it to its conclusion.

Clay Cross Town declined the opportunity to return to the field of play, following which the referee officially abandoned the fixture.

We understand the frustration this has caused among supporters. We hope this explanation clarifies why the game did not recommence, despite our willingness to continue.

Seeking clarification on the procedures followed

We are aware that supporters have also questioned whether the correct FA procedures were followed when both teams were initially asked to leave the pitch, particularly given that the match officials confirmed they had not personally heard or witnessed the alleged abuse.

We will raise these questions with the relevant football authorities and seek clarification on whether the actions taken during the match were consistent with the applicable FA guidance.

We want to be clear that seeking this clarification is not a criticism of the referee for taking an allegation of discrimination seriously. Such allegations must always be treated with the utmost importance.

Our responsibility is to cooperate with the investigation, establish the facts as far as possible and seek a clear understanding of the procedures that apply in these circumstances. We believe this is important for both clubs and for football more broadly.

Nevertheless, these procedural questions remain secondary to our principal concern: ensuring that the allegation is investigated properly and that the outcome is fair to everyone involved.

Our commitment

Skegness Town AFC will cooperate fully with all relevant enquiries and will await the outcome of the investigation before commenting further on the substance of the allegation or any potential disciplinary matters.

We respectfully ask our supporters and everyone connected with both clubs to refrain from speculation, personal accusations or comments that could prejudice the investigation or cause unnecessary distress to those involved.

Our position is clear: discrimination has no place at Skegness Town AFC. We take this allegation seriously, we are committed to a fair and thorough investigation, and we will take appropriate action in accordance with FA guidance if the allegation is substantiated.

We thank our supporters for their continued support, understanding and patience while the relevant authorities establish the facts.

Dale Houlston
Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
Skegness Town FC