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Footballer gets five-match ban over antisemitic abuse of Hemel Hempstead's Scott Shulton
Braintree Town player also ordered to complete educational course by FA
July 2, 2018 16:43
Braintree Town player also ordered to complete educational course by FA
July 2, 2018 16:43A footballer has received a five-match ban after the Football Association found him guilty of shouting "f**king Jew" at Hemel Hempstead Town midfielder Scott Shulton during a match earlier this year.
Following a FA hearing, Braintree Town player Billy Crook was suspended for five games from all domestic first team football, fined, and ordered to complete an education course after the Regulatory Commission decided to uphold the charge against him.
The FA's ruling against Mr Crook, who was a teammate of Mr Shulton’s when both played for Braintree Town, said: “On the balance of probability, the Commission unanimously decided that [he] had used the words 'f**king Jew' towards Mr Shulton.
“As set out above, the Commission unanimously considered that this language was insulting and/or abusive, and did make reference to religion, ethnic origin and/or race as it is anti-Semitic."
Mr Shulton, who started his career in the Watford Academy before signing with League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, told the JC on Monday: "I am really pleased with the outcome.
“It is unacceptable in this day and age for anyone to be abused because of their race, their religion, or their ethnicity.
“I am grateful for all the support I have received from players, the management and everyone at Hemel since the incident took place back in January, and also from (anti-racist campaigners) Kick It Out!, who backed me throughout the case.
“I’m also grateful to the FA for investigating the matter and reaching the correct decision in the end, and I would be nice if matters like this can be resolved even more quickly in the future.”
Mr Shulton, who played for the Maccabi Great Britain Men’s side at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 2009, was playing in a Vanarama National League South fixture against Braintree Town on January 20 when the incident took place.
The hearing heard how, following a late challenge from Mr Shulton, there was a confrontation between him and Mr Crook.
Mr Shulton reported to the match referee that he had been subjected to the antisemitic slur.
Mr Crook told the hearing that he had not used the words he was accused of using.
Although there was no video evidence supporting the allegation, there was audio of Mr Shulton saying twice “that’s f**king racist”.
The hearing deemed this “entirely consistent with Mr Shulton having been racially abused moments before”.
Mr Shulton enjoyed spells at Bishop’s Stortford, Hendon, Wingate & Finchley and Enfield Town before re-signing for Braintree. He recently signed a new contract with current club Hemel Hempstead for the new season.
