Walsall Wood promise life bans for race abusers

West Midlands Police are investigating a hate crime after visiting manager Ashley Vincent is alleged to have been targeted shortly after the final whistle at the ML Safety Stadium.

Vincent is thought to have been subjected to racist remarks from a group of youths whom Walsall Wood say they have attempted to actively engage with over recent weeks.

In a statement in which he apologised ‘to all Worcester City fans, players, management and committee’.

Hodgin explained: “The club has had some issues with a group of youths over the past few games and we believe we took all precautions in assuring the safety and comfort of all fans with employing stewards for the game and also, we had two police officers in attendance.

“The club has been trying to engage with these local youths by actively inviting them in the club, so they are not wandering the streets.

“We believe the actions of a few are now ruining it for the rest of them.

“Any racist comments to anyone at our club will not be tolerated and if we find the person involved we will ban them for life.”

Hodgin is thought to have apologised to Oldbury-born former Wolves youth player and ex-Stourbridge forward Vincent immediately after the incident and the club’s response has been praised by Worcester.

He continued: “We are working with the police and they will be attending our next few games and anyone causing any disturbance or racially abusing anyone with be arrested. “The club hope with the education, we can deal with this problem without any more incidents but we will take the strongest action possible if this is ignored.

“We are a local community club with probably one of the most racial diverse player and management teams in the Midland Football League and want to ensure our own loyal fans, players and management team we do not take this matter lightly. Working together I am sure this short term problem can be solved.”