Salford City have expressed anger at the decision not to charge a man following allegations of racist abuse during a pre-season fixture with York City.
The League Two side have confirmed they will trigger the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme after police concluded there was no hate crime.
Club Statement On Dropped Case
The incident occurred during the Ammies’ friendly against York City at the LNER Community Stadium in July, a match abandoned in the 85th minute after alleged abuse aimed at defender Adebola Oluwo. A 23-year-old man from York was arrested, but North Yorkshire Police later announced there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
Salford responded with a strongly-worded statement highlighting what they see as failings in the investigation. The club argued that witness accounts, including testimony from match officials, had not been fully considered.
“Salford City Football Club is extremely disappointed with the findings of the investigation by North Yorkshire Police, and the subsequent decision not to charge the individual responsible,” the statement read.
“It is particularly concerning how the investigation concludes there is no evidence to corroborate the report of abuse, despite a number of first-hand accounts from those present at the fixture.
“This includes from the match officials who we know, through discussions with the Professional Game Match Officials, gave verbal statements on the night and provided their details for the investigating team to follow up, but have not been contacted.”
Salford confirmed they have sought legal advice and will pursue an independent review of the case. “Having spoken with Adebola and sought further advice, including legal, we will be exercising the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme to request an independent review to reconsider this outcome,” they added.
Police Response
North Yorkshire Police issued their own statement last week defending the process. “As part of our investigation, we have worked with the person reporting, both clubs, and fans to gather evidence. Based on these findings, our officers are satisfied that no offences have occurred,” the force said. They also confirmed that the victim had been updated directly.
The decision has left Salford frustrated, with the club reiterating their zero-tolerance stance towards racism. “Hate crime has no place within football, and it will not be tolerated. Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse,” they concluded.
Writer’s View
Salford’s statement underlines their determination to see this matter pursued further, regardless of the police outcome. For a fixture to be abandoned at such a late stage suggests the seriousness of what took place, and the club are right to insist on clarity.
With racism still a major issue across the game, supporters will want to see consistency in how such cases are investigated. Whether the review changes the outcome remains to be seen, but Salford’s public stance sends a strong message: they will not quietly accept what they perceive as shortcomings in the process.
