A footballer was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by a spectator whilst playing for his club this week.

A spectator was ejected from the Sir Tom Finney Stadium for allegedly shouting abuse at Bamber Bridge FC’s Nathan Pond during their 2-1 Northern Premier League Premier Division win against Guiseley AFC on Monday, January 2.

Pond, from Preston and a former captain of Fleetwood Town, tweeted after the game expressing his disappointment and sadness at the man’s actions.

 

The defender said: “The year 2023 and still getting racial abuse from a fan. Learnt my lesson and didn’t go after him this time.

“He admitted and the ref evicted him. Funny thing is that he was with his son, great example that.”

The club have confirmed it will be making a formal complaint to the FA.

It has not said whether the alleged abuse came from a Bamber Bridge or a Guiseley supporter.

 

In a statement, the club said: “The club are hugely disappointed to announce that at today’s fixture against Guiseley AFC, there was a serious allegation of racism by a spectator, aimed at Bamber Bridge player Nathan Pond during the game.

“The individual involved was ejected following the incident.

“Bamber Bridge Football Club will absolutely not stand for racial abuse within our ground!

“We are an inclusive and family friendly club and this is not welcome anywhere within football. Not ever!

“We will stand with Nathan Pond and support him as appropriate and will be making a formal complaint to the FA.

“The time for change and action is now, football is a game for all.

“We applaud the actions today of our player Nathan Pond, the match official and our manager Jamie Milligan.

“We can’t believe it needs saying again in 2023… THERE IS NO ROOM (AND NEVER WILL BE) FOR RACISM).”

Pond, 37, spent 15 years at Fleetwood Town, helping them rise from the North West Counties League to EFL League One.

He joined Bamber Bridge in 2021 having also played for Lancaster City, Kendal Town, Grimsby Town, Salford City, AFC Fylde and AFC Telford United.

Bamber Bridge, who currently sit fourth in the NPL Premier, won the game 2-1 thanks to goals from Sheldon Green and Paul Dawson.

Both teams wore their away strips for the game as part of homelessness charity Shelter's No Home Kit campaign.