Lincoln City Fined £8,500 for Sectarian Chants
Lincoln City has been hit with an £8,500 fine by the FA after supporters directed sectarian chants at Wrexham’s James McClean during their match on 3 May, reports BritPanorama.
The club accepted the charge and took immediate action, banning seven fans for varying lengths after reviewing CCTV footage and collaborating with Lincolnshire Police.
The chanting, which occurred around the 64th and 69th minutes of the match, included shouts of “F*** the Pope and the IRA.” The FA’s regulatory commission labelled it “overtly discriminatory” and “sectarian chanting,” although they noted it was not widespread and was brief.
McClean has faced similar abuse throughout his career, linked to his refusal to wear a poppy during Remembrance Day due to personal convictions rooted in his upbringing in Derry’s Creggan estate, known for the 1972 Bloody Sunday incident.
In response to the incidents, the FA imposed an action plan on Lincoln City that includes establishing a reporting system for fans to highlight abuse and developing an educational programme in partnership with Kick It Out. The club is also required to formulate protocols addressing abuse directed at players, managers, and officials.
Chief executive Liam Scully acknowledged the club’s responsibility, emphasizing their commitment to eradicating negative behaviour through education and disciplinary measures. Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, he stated his intention to preserve a “phenomenal atmosphere” at Sincil Bank while fostering inclusiveness.
The club has announced an online forum for fans scheduled for 7pm on Wednesday, November 19, to discuss these matters and collaboratively explore solutions. Scully indicated that various measures are being considered, including stricter controls on away ticket sales and potentially closing parts of lower block seven in the GBM Stand.
However, he warned that fines and the increased operational costs of extra security measures would affect the club’s finances, necessitating budget cuts in other areas. Lincoln City is also engaged with the FA regarding reported similar behaviour during their Carabao Cup match against Chelsea last month.
In a landscape where the boundaries of sport and community sentiment often blur, Lincoln City finds itself navigating a complex response to unacceptable fan behaviour while aspiring to maintain the vibrant spirit of its support. The challenge remains: how to reconcile passionate allegiance with respect for all players in the modern game.
