Chippenham Town v Farnborough stopped for 'racist incident'

The Bluebirds’ National League South clash at home to Farnborough on Tuesday, November 7, was marred by “unacceptable supporter behaviour.”

In a statement released following the game, a spokesperson for the club said the pause was due to a “racist comment shouted from the terrace”, which was heard by nearby supporters, players, and the referee.

The person responsible, believed to be an away fan, was quickly identified and escorted from the ground.

The incident is the second time this season a Chippenham fixture has been interrupted by supporter behaviour and the club say they “will almost certainly face another FA charge.”

Farnborough have since released a statement addressing the incident, and warned they will not tolerate discriminatory language.

A spokesperson said: “Farnborough Football Club are aware of an incident regarding a spectator at the Chippenham Town game.

“The Club are taking this extremely seriously and investigating.

“We will not tolerate any foul or abusive language towards anyone, which includes discriminatory language.”

The Thornbury Surfacing Stadium (Image: Lit Fibre)

Chippenham Town have now noted this statement and emphasised that unacceptable behaviour, whether physical or verbal, will be met with swift punishment at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium.

The club warned that offenders will be ejected from the ground and slapped with lengthy stadium bans where necessary.

They also called on other clubs to take “punitive action” where evidence indicates that a visiting fan is responsible and can be identified.

A spokesperson added: “For the avoidance of doubt, anyone who thinks they can visit Chippenham Town FC and act in a manner that is in any way unacceptable or unwelcome or is likely to put at risk or endanger anyone else visiting the Club, should think again.

“The Club will take immediate action against anyone acting in such a manner. Be in no doubt that if you are one of a minority of fans who want to come to Thornbury Surfacing Stadium intent on causing trouble or if evidence suggests you can’t or don’t want to behave in a civilised manner, you will not be admitted to the ground.

“If your intention is to cause trouble you should think very carefully about the potential impact of your actions on the reputation of the Club and its supporters in general and you should be under no illusion that if the Club considers the offence(s) warrant, it will have no hesitation in referring the matter for police consideration.”