Sheringham FC bans two people after racist chat directed at player

Norfolk FA has started an inquiry into what the seaside football club called "discrimination and threats"

Two people have been thrown out of Sheringham Football Club after one of their players was racially abused and threatened in a chat group.

In a statement, the Norfolk club said as soon as they were made aware they removed two individuals from involvement with it.

Midfielder Lagshan Sivakumar posted screenshots of a group chat which used racist and threatening language.

The Norfolk FA has also been made aware and said it was investigating.

"The club was made aware of an incident last week, which involved discrimination and threats towards one of our players," said a statement from Sheringham FC, who play in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division.

"The player targeted has been supported by the club's management team and welfare staff."

The abuse followed Mr Sivakumar's decision to also play for Sunday League club Hethersett Athletic.

In his own statement on social media he said, "I was racially abused by members of my own team. Members of a team that I had respect for, that I valued as players and most of all, were aware of the abuse I received literally days before.

"They threatened to jeopardise my abilities as a player and single me out because of the colour of my skin.

"It's your mates, managers, clubs and your teammates that are making football unplayable for people like me.

"You are ruining the game for yourselves."

He went on to thank Sheringham FC for their support this week.