A SOCCER tournament organised to promote racial harmony ended with angry white players walking off claiming they had been racially taunted by Asian teams and their supporters.

Forever Bury FC under-19s team stormed off mid-way through Sunday's tournament. Now Bury police have launched an investigation into the claims which were posted on Bury Football Club's official website. Organisers will also hold a meeting to discuss the weekend incident.

The six-a-side tournament, held on Openshaw Park on Rochdale Road, Bury, was organised by the Asian Development Association of Bury in partnership with Bury Sports Development (ADAB)and Bury Council park rangers. It was billed as a way of bringing together people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

But a team manager for Forever Bury Football Club said: "There was a threatening atmosphere both on and off the pitch. The players were called white bastards, and much worse. I was quite worried for my players. Two Asian players were removed from the pitch by the referee and told to calm down.

"The players in the Under-19s team were being constantly provoked and threatened. In the end they decided to walk away in fear of their own safety. Despite all the provocation, none of my players reacted or retaliated."

Forever Bury FC entered two teams, the Under-19s and Under-16s. They were the only two white teams among 20 in the tournament.

The team manager added: "We want action taken, as would be the case if my players were behaving in a racist manner. But then the lads just want to put the whole thing behind them. They know what happened is not a reflection of the Asian community as a whole.

"Personally I think the event was a good idea held in the wrong place. The whole thing became very territorial."

He said his team deserved an apology.

Mr Mohammed Ishaq, executive committee member for ADAB, admitted that racist comments were made on the day, but added: "Unfortunately there are hooligans in every part of society, regardless of race. It was a handful of people at the match who caused one or two problems. We would never condone such behaviour or tolerate any sort of racism.

"What happened is certainly no reflection on the wider community. It was a few foolish people."

Neil Long, Bury Council's head of parks, countryside and customer services, dismissed the "racism" claims as nothing more than "rowdy football banter between spectators" and pointed out that the park had hosted successful multi-racial events in the past. He said: "It is unfortunate that there was a perception of racial tension."

Superintendent Peter Scofield, from Bury Police added: "We understand the event was organised to promote good relations between different racial groups, and it would be very disappointing if that intention has been damaged.

"If any of the contributors to the website wish to come forward to report insulting or threatening behaviour we will investigate those reports. We are working with the organisers to gain a better understanding of what actually happened."