GOALKEEPER Reece Francis stated ‘justice had been served’ after Wisbech Town were charged by the FA after vile fans subjected the Bromsgrove Sporting star to racial abuse in a cup match at the start of the year.
Following an FA hearing in Nottingham on Thursday when Francis gave evidence, Wisbech received a ‘substantial’ fine after being accused of failing to ensure players and/or officials and/or spectators conducted themselves properly during the FA Vase fourth round fixture on January 6.
This was an aggravated charge of rule E20 on the grounds the Fenmen’s supporters directed racial abuse towards Francis who was visibly upset by the ordeal just before half-time.
The referee had offered to abandon the game but a brave Francis decided to come out for the second half to help Sporting book their place in the next round.
Speaking to the Standard, Francis said: “I am happy about the decision that has been made because at the end of the day something needed to be done about it – justice has been served.
“The club has stuck with me and it is good to see the FA are actually stamping out things like this.
“I was nervous before the hearing as it brought back memories that I did not want to remember.
“But you have got to speak out about it because if you don’t people will keep thinking that they can get away with it.
“If there is anybody who wants to speak to me about racial abuse I am more than happy to point people in the direction that I got pointed in.”
Francis is also going to be working with national campaign Kick It Out to help promote the organisation which is trying to rid the game of discrimination.
“They are very important and I believe they are the ones who push the FA to come in stronger on racism,” he added.
“The things they do in the community are brilliant. They bring everyone together no matter where they are from and whatever the background which is really good to see.”
I know what I am? thank you for your support guys justice is done ?⚪? @SportingFC https://t.co/X8b3ZyL2BU
— reece francis (@reeceissuperman) March 16, 2018
Chairman Mike Burke praised Francis for standing up against racism, adding he did a great job not only for himself, but everyone who supported him.
Meanwhile, Wisbech have also been hit with a fine for letting off a smoke bomb which was thrown into the Sporting dugout.
Sporting were also fined for letting off smoke bombs in the same match.
