League 1 Ontario has launched an investigation after alleged racial abuse by fans of the opposing team directed at a Simcoe County Rovers FC player.
"League1 Ontario strongly condemns all forms of racism and discrimination. It has no place in our game or society and will not be tolerated," the league said in a statement. "In cooperation with the teams, an investigation has been opened to identify those responsible. We will be working to support the player affected while seeking to ensure anyone involved will be held accountable for their actions."
The game in question took place on Wednesday in Peterborough as Electric City FC played host to the Rovers.
The league said the referee stopped the match in the 81st minute and abandoned the game in the 88th minute, with the match tied 1-1.
The Rovers, who play in Barrie, posted a statement on Twitter that said one of its players was "racially abused" by the opposing team's spectators.
Rovers FC Statement#ZeroTolerance pic.twitter.com/46zy8qO5wY
— Simcoe County Rovers FC (@RoversFC_L1O) June 16, 2022
"We are disgusted, extremely disappointed and have zero tolerance for such behaviour," the club stated. "We stand with our players and staff, and we are united against all forms of discriminatory actions. We have escalated the matter and are hopeful that all those involved will be held accountable for their actions in a timely fashion."
For our Full Statement => https://t.co/5NWJw3yWSe pic.twitter.com/Ryy4Z0i923
— Electric City Football Club (@ElectricCityFC) June 16, 2022
Electric City FC issued a public apology to the Simcoe County Rovers on Thursday and also announced it was suspending all members of the Current 1819 fans group from attending ECFC home games until an investigation is completed.
