Whitehawk FC releases statement following homophobic abuse from Littlehampton Town fans

"There is no place for bigotry and prejudice within the beautiful game."

Whitehawk FC have issued a statement following abuse from Littlehampton Town FC fans during their game at The Sportsfield on the 16th of August. 

The game was Littlehampton's first ever home lsthmian league game, but Whitehawk fans were subject to homophobia from supporters of the local town. Whitehawk have since released a statement, reminding fans of their "zero tolerance policy" when it comes to abuse. 

Posting on their website, they described themselves as "saddened" to hear that "a number of our supporters were subjected to homophobic abuse". 

They continued, "There is no place for bigotry and prejudice within the beautiful game and Whitehawk FC are speaking to the opposition club about the incident.

Whitehawk FC operate a zero tolerance policy towards any abuse at the Enclosed Ground and are fully committed to our core value that football truly is for all."

The team added that they have spoken to Littlehampton Town's Safety Officer, James Askey, who said that the team full condemn the abuse and are "investigating the matter further". 

In a tweet, Whitehawk reaffirmed their message that there is "no room" for discrimination in sport. 

Wearing our colours with 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲. 🌈

If you ever hear any discriminatory language or actions at a sporting event, please report it.

There’s no room for it in any sport. ⛔️ pic.twitter.com/pEPYK0MUyY

— Whitehawk FC (@HawksFCOfficial) August 17, 2022

A tweet from Whitehawk FC player Stefan Wright also revealed in a tweet that he was subject to racist abuse during half time. Fellow player Charlie Harris responded that he was "gutted".

"To bring race into anything just shows how uneducated and disgusting the individual is! To blame the whole of @LittlehamptonFC would be unfair but action must happen and there has to be consequences. 

"As a team we will all stand with Steff!" 

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