Bradford-based football club issues statement about "hate" messages

A football club has called for "meaningful sanctions" against individuals who are found guilty of posting any "hate-filled messages".

Bradford-based football club Route One Rovers issued a statement over that it called "deeply disturbing" messages circulated following a fixture against Pontefract side Kinsley Boys FC on Saturday, November 7.

It is claimed that abusive and racist comments were reportedly posted on a players' WhatsApp group. It is claimed that posted comments were racist as well as discriminatory in terms of religion and disability.

In a statement, Route One Rovers said: "The club unequivocally condemns the vile racist, Islamophobic, discriminatory and abusive language contained within messages reportedly shared in a Kinsley Boys FC players' group chat, including deeply offensive comments towards a wheelchair user within our management team.

"This is not football banter. This is discrimination, and it is utterly unacceptable."

Route One Rovers said it had experienced racism last season and it was "disgraceful" to be confronted with it again.

The club added: "We demand a full and thorough investigation, meaningful sanctions where wrongdoing is established, and accountability for all those found responsible.

"We have contacted the relevant football authorities and expect this matter to be treated with the seriousness it deserves."

The club thanked those who had sent "messages and solidarity" to the club.

Earlier this week Kinsley Boys said it had started an internal investigation "to establish the full facts and identify those responsible for any inappropriate conduct."