Club Statement

Colne Football Club was made aware of an alleged incident of racism following our FA Cup fixture against Gateshead FC on Saturday 19th October 2019.

Immediate action was taken whilst a thorough investigation was conducted. Following the investigation which included speaking to witnesses and working alongside guidelines set out by the Club, The Football Associations Code of Conduct and Player Contract, Colne F.C. officials have concluded there was no evidence of racist intent or behaviour.

The Club is unable to comment any further at this time due to the matter already being in the hands of the Northern Premier League and the Football Association. All files, correspondence and recordings have been handed over and we are confident our investigatory process was professional, sensitive and fair.

Colne Football Club takes all reports of hate crime seriously and would like to reaffirm that any such behaviour has no place online, in our stadium, our Club, our community or our game.

Mr Hurst strongly denies any accusation of Racism however as the accusation has been brought into the public domain the position as Vice Chairman is currently untenable and as such, as he did whilst the club conducted the initial investigation, he will step away from club duties and not attend matches until the process is completed.