Haringey coach on racist abuse against players: ‘I had to take them off the pitch’
Speaking to City News, Haringey Borough coach Tom Loizou said that removing his players from the pitch after racist behaviour by spectators wasn't his first reaction nor something he wanted to do.
Coles Park Lane in Haringey, North London was the venue for Fourth Qualifying Round game between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town
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The manager of Haringey Borough FC said that he had no other choice than to take his players “off the pitch,” after racist abuse from spectators during a recent game.
Speaking to City News, Tom Loizou said that removing the players wasn’t his first reaction nor something he wanted to do.
“I wish I could say I was zero-tolerance because it went on for quite a while, then I said ‘enough is enough.'”
“To make it a trend to make everyone walk off, I think it would be totally wrong. My intentions were honest, I did what I had to do for the safety of my players,” he said.
Haringey Borough goalkeeper Valery Pajetat who is Cameroonian, was spat at and pelted with bottles from the Yeovil fans who were housed behind his goal, whilst also allegedly being called a “black c**t” during his side’s FA Cup fourth round qualifier against Yeovil Town at Coles Park on Saturday.
The game, which will now be replayed on Tuesday night at the same venue, was abandoned shortly after Yeovil took the lead from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
The incident, which took place only days after England’s players threatened to walk off the pitch during their European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia, has proved a wake up call over the issue of racism within the domestic game.
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Headline"I had to take my players off, when i saw the look on their faces," Haringey Borough manager Tom Loizou.
Short HeadlineTom Loizou speaks to City News on Haringey Borough Racism Row
StandfirstN/A
Published Article
HeadlineHaringey coach on racist abuse against players: ‘I had to take them off the pitch’
Short Headline'I had to take my players off the pitch'
StandfirstSpeaking to City News, Haringey Borough coach Tom Loizou said that removing his players from the pitch after racist behaviour by spectators wasn't his first reaction nor something he wanted to do.
Pebbles, stones, bottles and racist abuse. These were the things hurled at Haringey Borough goalkeeper Valery Pajetat during his sides FA Cup fourth round qualifier against Yeovil Town at Coles Park on Saturday.
The game, which will now be replayed on Tuesday night at the same venue, was abandoned shortly after Yeovil took the lead from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
Pajetat, who is Cameroonian, was spat at and pelted with bottles from the Yeovil fans who were housed behind his goal, whilst also allegedly being called a “black c—.”
Haringey Borough manager Tom Loizou felt he had no choice to remove his players from the pitch. Speaking to City News’ Samantha Haynes, he said “I know these players very well, I’ve had them here for years and when i saw the look on their faces and distress i had to take them off the pitch.”
The incident, which took place only days after England’s players threatened to walk off the pitch during their European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia, has proved a wake up call over the issue of racism within the domestic game.
Speaking of his decision to take his players off, Loizou said “I wish i could say i was zero tolerance because it went on for quite a while, then i said enough is enough.”
“To make it a trend to make everyone walk off, i think it would be totally wrong. My intentions were honest, i did what i had to do for the safety of my players.”
The manager of Haringey Borough FC said that he had no other choice than to take his players “off the pitch,” after racist abuse from spectators during a recent game.
Speaking to City News, Tom Loizou said that removing the players wasn’t his first reaction nor something he wanted to do.
“I wish I could say I was zero-tolerance because it went on for quite a while, then I said ‘enough is enough.'”
“To make it a trend to make everyone walk off, I think it would be totally wrong. My intentions were honest, I did what I had to do for the safety of my players,” he said.
Haringey Borough goalkeeper Valery Pajetat who is Cameroonian, was spat at and pelted with bottles from the Yeovil fans who were housed behind his goal, whilst also allegedly being called a “black c**t” during his side’s FA Cup fourth round qualifier against Yeovil Town at Coles Park on Saturday.
The game, which will now be replayed on Tuesday night at the same venue, was abandoned shortly after Yeovil took the lead from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.
The incident, which took place only days after England’s players threatened to walk off the pitch during their European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia, has proved a wake up call over the issue of racism within the domestic game.
