A THIRTEEN-year-old Millwall fan has been banned by the club for “the foreseeable future” after investigations led to the boy admitting he verbally abused Marvin Sordell during a Championship match last month against Bolton.
The incident in question took place on October 6 at Millwall’s ground, the New Den – it led to an investigation by both clubs and the FA becoming involved.
Sordell used social media website, Twitter, to make aware of the fact he and several Bolton teammates - Lee Chung-young, Darren Pratley and Benik Afobe – had been subjected to racist abuse.
After Sordell made the allegations, another young Millwall fan posted a photo-shopped image of Sordell, which depicted the player in his Team GB jersey being shot. The father of the user, who cannot be named for legal reasons, contacted The Voice and said his son was sorry and had sent a letter of apology to Sordell.
Due to the age of the fan who admitted verbally abusing Sordell, Millwall have not imposed the standard life-time ban.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Having completed our investigations into the incident, we have identified and interviewed a 13-year-old boy who admitted a verbal exchange with Marvin Sordell in which abuse was used.
“The individual has been banned from Millwall matches for the foreseeable future, but as a club we also felt, given the boy's age and background, we had a duty to play our part in attempting to educate and rehabilitate him.
“Accordingly, we have offered to put him through one of our education programmes, run by Millwall for All in the hope that we can change his outlook on equality, racism and life in general.
“In the meantime, the boy has written a letter to Marvin Sordell offering his apology, which has been accepted.”
A FA statement further added: “The FA applauds both Millwall FC and Bolton Wanderers FC for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring a full and thorough investigation could take place.
“We would also like to thank Marvin Sordell and The PFA for their assistance throughout this process.
“The FA fully supports Millwall’s approach in terms of dealing with the young individual responsible through a ban from the club's matches for the foreseeable future as well as offering him a place on one of its education programmes, run by Millwall for All.”
Bolton also commented on the matter on the behalf of Sordell: “Marvin Sordell would like to thank the FA, the PFA and Kick it Out for their support, and Millwall for the way in which they dealt with this.
“Bolton Wanderers will continue to work with, and support, the FA, Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card in their on-going work against all forms of discrimination in football.”
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