Win marred by racial slur
Ilkeston Town’s 3-0 win at Bolehall Swifts on Tuesday night was marred by a racist term aimed at Robins player Montel Gibson. The taunt came from one of Ilkeston’s own fans.
The club is now appealing to supporters at the game to name the person responsibe.
Club chairman Alan Hardy said: “We will not tolerate any form of racial abuse. The perpetrator will be found, banned and reported to the police for prosecution. Montel, you have the full support of the club and 99.99 per cent of Ilkeston Town fans behind you.”
An official club statement released this afternoon said: “The club takes these allegations extremely seriously and will be conducting a full investigation at the earliest opportunity. We do not tolerate racial abuse, nor any type of discrimination. Should we find any evidence to support these allegations we will take immediate action. We will be making no further comment on this matter until our investigation is concluded.”
Earlier player Lavell White tweeted his thanks to the travelling Ilkeston fans for their fantastic support, but went on to say “Sadly one of our own fans tonight has called our talented 19-year-old striker Montel Gibson a black c–*”
He went on to say that players like Montel are the future of the club and questions why the ‘supporter’ is wasting his time and money following the club if he feels that way.
Montel Gibson responded on Twitter: “It’s not nice to be called that and I’d love to do something about it but football is my career and this won’t stop me from being successful. I hope the fan that called me it regrets it.”
Gibson is a regular in the Robins side and has scored nine goals this season.
