ASHTON United Football Club has issued a strong condemnation after “a small group” of supporters were allegedly heard singing pro-Tommy Robinson songs.
The songs in support of the controversial far-right activist were during the Robins’ match against Stocksbridge Park Steels last weekend.
The club has described the behaviour as having ‘no place in football or society’ and stressed that it is completely at odds with the values of Ashton United.
“We utterly condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms,” the club’s board said in a statement.
“It has no place in football or society. Not only is it completely at odds with our values as a club but it also undermines the efforts of everyone at AUFC, including our players, staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to create a warm and inclusive family club.”
Officials have warned that anyone identified as taking part in the chants will be banned from attending future games.
The club has also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on discriminatory behaviour, pledging to remove and ban anyone found using racist, homophobic or offensive language of any kind.
“If you are identified as having done this, you will be banned,” the statement continued.
“Anyone using racist, homophobic or discriminatory language of any kind will be removed from the stadium and banned.
“AUFC is a community club that strives to bring people together and foster an environment where EVERYONE is welcome. We have a zero tolerance policy to any discriminatory or anti-social behaviour.”
Robinson, a British anti-Islam campaigner and one of the UK’s most prominent far-right activists, has been a controversial figure in the national spotlight for years. The 42-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the former leader of the now-defunct English Defence League.
With a 305-strong crowd in attendance at Hurst Cross, the Robins won Saturday’s match 1-0 against the newly-promoted side in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, thanks to Sam Baird’s 77th-minute goal.