'No evidence' of racist abuse at Bracknell Bees
Published 2 Nov 2012 09:30
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THE English Premier Ice Hockey League have said that there was 'no evidence of verbal racial abuse on or off the ice' during Bracknell Bees' game with Sheffield Steeldogs last month.
Allegations were made that a Bracknell fan threw an item in the direction of players and that verbal abuse with racist connotations was heard.
The Bees and John Nike Leisuresport Complex (JNLC) management teams immediately investigated the claims, obtaining 12 statements from spectators and officials, with supporting photographs and video.
JNLC staff on duty in the area confirmed that there was no racial abuse in or around the penalty box and were unfortunately unable to positively identify the spectator responsible for throwing the item.
The EPIHL chairman, as requested by the Steeldogs, also investigated the incident and said in a statement there is no case to answer.
"The Sheffield Steeldogs supplied two statements from spectators that were inconclusive and do not specifically verify a witness or perpetrator. The player alleged to be the target of the abuse has also confirmed that he did not hear anything," read the statement.
"There is no evidence of verbal racial abuse on or off the ice. The referee and linesmen have confirmed that there was no such incident during the match on the ice.
"There is no evidence of any wrong doing by the Bracknell Bees or JNLC staff or management.
I would like to thank both the JNLC and the Bracknell Bees management for their prompt support, and appropriate and swift response in this inquiry."
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