On behalf of Redditch United Football Club, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Kettering Town Chairman George Akhtar and Director of Football Fabian Forde for their response to the incident involving Dan Sweeney during our recent fixture.
Both George and Fabian have acted swiftly, professionally and responsibly. Their reaction to the situation has been excellent, and I believe their efforts to raise the issue, address it directly and take steps to identify those responsible deserve to be recognised and commended.
It is important to make the distinction between the actions of an individual and the football club they represent. In fact, the way in which the club’s leadership has responded should be acknowledged and welcomed.
Racism and discrimination have absolutely no place in football or wider society. No player, supporter, official or individual should ever have to experience behaviour of this nature.
I have spoken directly with Dan since the incident and, having known and worked alongside him for many years, I can personally attest to his strength of character and resilience. I have every confidence that he will draw upon those qualities at this time. He has the full support of everyone at Redditch United. Dan is a valued member of our football club and, above all, a person who deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
I particularly welcome Kettering Town’s commitment to working with its security team, stewards and the relevant authorities to identify those responsible. It is vital that this matter is taken seriously and that appropriate action follows.
Tackling racism requires more than statements. It requires leadership, accountability and a collective willingness to challenge unacceptable behaviour whenever and wherever it occurs. We must never allow incidents like this to become normalised, dismissed or simply forgotten once the immediate attention has passed.
I hope both clubs can continue to work constructively alongside the relevant authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable.
Football should bring communities together, not provide a platform for hatred and discrimination.
Once again, my personal thanks to George, Fabian and everyone at Kettering Town for the way they have approached this matter. Their actions demonstrate the importance of strong leadership, and I hope they are recognised in that context.
David Faulkner
Chairman & CEO
Redditch United Football Club
