Christian football team in racist chant claims forced to fold
A Christian football team in Staffordshire has been forced to fold after allegations players sang racist chants before a match within earshot of a black referee.
A number of players from Pye Green Towers FC are said to have sang 'we're racist and that's the way we like it' – the same chant chorused by Chelsea fans last month on the Paris Metro.
Pye Green, who play in the West Midlands Christian Football League, has now folded as a result, league secretary Neil Kovacs said.
The home game at Erasmus Darwin Academy in Burntwood against Selly Oak Methodists took place on February 21.
Mr Kovacs said: "The first I heard about the incident was on the Sunday night after the game.
"The referee sent us his match report.
"I straight away called the secretary of Pye Green and asked for his version of the story.
"He admitted a few of the players had been singing the Chelsea chant before the game in the dressing room.
"He said the club was going to fold with immediate effect.
"It beggars belief really. I feel sorry for the other players who were not singing the chant."
Mr Kovacs branded the players who sang the song as 'idiots'.
He added: "As a football league we have extremely high standards.
"We have a zero tolerance on swearing for example."
He confirmed Birmingham County Football Association was investigating the matter. He said the charge the club faces is one of failing to control its players, not a racism charge and that a decision was due to be made soon.
A senior member of Pye Green Towers FC said: "I can't make any further comment on the situation because the BCFA are dealing with it."
The West Midlands Christian Football League has been running since 1979.
Pye Green Towers have been in the league for the past five years, according to Mr Kovacs.
Games are played on a Saturday rather than a Sunday so players can attend church at weekends. The Methodists won the division two clash 3-1 but the result has been declared void. Mr Kovacs said the league was tight knit and had a community feel.
Over the past five years it has raised almost £15,000 for various charities.
Mr Kovacs confirmed the referee involved in the incident is still registered with the league and is still officiating games.
