A local FA is investigating claims that a youth team failed to field a full 11 because parents stopped their children playing a predominantly Jewish team.
The Watford Friendly League received a call from Panthera Football Club U14s, ahead of a fixture against Maccabi London FC U14s at 10am yesterday (October 29), asking if it would be ok to play with just nine players.
This is apparently not too unusual for a half-term game, but the league has confirmed it was later made aware of claims that some players refused to play.
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Because the claims did not relate to events on the pitch, and the game still went ahead with Panthera fielding a reduced team, it is not something that the league itself can investigate. Information has instead been passed on to the Middlesex FA, which is liaising with those involved.
The football association said it still has limited information as the match took place yesterday, and claims surrounding it only emerged afterwards. But it confirmed that it will continue investigating over the coming days.
The probe relates to claims, which have been shared on social media, that there were parents who did not want their children to play against Maccabi London because they are a predominantly Jewish team. These claims have not been confirmed.
Maccabi London Lions declined to comment when approached by the Watford Observer this morning.
Panthera Football Club said that they want to make it “unequivocally clear” they do not tolerate any form of racism, discrimination, or abuse of any kind. The full club statement is available on their website here.
They highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and belief that “football is for everyone”, as well as how seriously they take their responsibilities for the safeguarding and wellbeing of children.
The statement continued: “Any form of racism, intimidation, discrimination or abuse has no place at Panthera Football Club and will be investigated fully and may result in removal from our club.”
The club also encouraged anyone who witnessed "any incidents" to contact them at admin@pantherafootball.co.uk.
The Middlesex FA has confirmed it has been in touch with the English FA over the matter.
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