Investigation launched after racist abuse at Sheringham FC

The game between Sheringham and Easton was abandoned after the incident, which occurred during the final minutes of the match.

Witnesses say it involved a member of the crowd shouting racist abuse at an Easton FC player and singing songs in support of Tommy Robinson, the far right activist.

It was brought to the attention of officials by other supporters and the game was stopped, before being abandoned, while the man was asked to leave the ground.

Police have confirmed they received a report of a racially aggravated public order offence and that officers were investigating.

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The match was being held at Sheringham's Weybourne Road ground, in the town, and the club - known as the Shannocks - has issued an apology for the incident, although it said the man was not connected to either team.

It comes only nine months after two Sheringham players were banned from the club after racially abusing a teammate, Lagshan Sivakumar, in a group chat. 

In a statement after the latest incident, the club, which plays in the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division, stressed the two were not connected.

Lagshan Sivakumar (centre) was the target of racist abuse by members of his own club (Image: Robert Walkley)

It said: "Sheringham FC, Easton FC and match officials are working with the Police and County FA to assist their investigations.

"Both clubs are supporting players and those that attended the game that were affected by the incident.   

"The incident, and individual concerned, is in no way connected to the event that took place in October 2023.   

"However, the immediate action taken on both occasions demonstrates Sheringham Football Club's zero tolerance approach to any form of racism or discrimination in football."

A spokesman for Easton FC said: "All of our players, staff and supporters have been offered any and all support required. 

"With the matter now in the hands of the authorities we hope to see this matter dealt with as is appropriate. 

"Thank you to both Sheringham FC, their supporters and the match officials for their swift response and intervention."

A spokesman for Norfolk County Football Association said it was aware of the incident and would be "initiating an investigation in line with FA Regulations", adding: "Discrimination and abuse of any kind has no place in football and we are dedicated to stamping it out of our local game.

"We would like to remind all of those involved in grassroots football in Norfolk to report any incidents of abuse or discrimination via our various communication channels.”