Sol Campbell: FA investigating claims Macclesfield manager was subjected to homophobic abuse by Cheltenham fans
The FA is investigating claims that Sol Campbell was subjected to homophobic abuse during Macclesfield’s trip to Cheltenham on Saturday.
Several Cheltenham fans wrote on social media about the chants directed towards the Macclesfield manager and director Dave Beesley confirmed to he had received “a few emails from fans” complaining of homophobia at the game.
Campbell has spoken out about the alleged abuse that was directed to him during the match.
He told the he was surprised by a “really sad underbelly of abuse in football that has been left for far too long.
“I'm not even playing anymore. I'm a manager. It's not like I've got anything against whoever I'm playing.
“I don't understand why there is animosity towards a manager who has got nothing to do with their club other than being the opposition.
"I've just been a manager and I want to do my job."
Cheltenham Town released a statement on their website following the match to remind supporters that abuse at the club will not be tolerated.
However, it did not reference the specific incident relating to Campbell.
The statement said: “Cheltenham Town Football Club would like to remind all supporters visiting the Jonny-Rocks Stadium that it is against the law to shout or chant abuse on the grounds of ability or disability; age; gender; gender reassignment; marital status or civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race, nationality or ethnicity; religion or belief; or sexual orientation.
“Under the Equality Act 2010 it is an offence to make reference to the above protected characteristics in abusive terms and doing so could lead to arrest and prosecution.
“The club is currently undertaking a thorough review of matchday operations in line with its Equality Policy and supporters are urged to report any such abuse to the nearest steward as quickly as possible.
“Stewards will then be required to relay any complaint that involves discriminatory behaviour to the control room immediately for a response to be provided.”