Iron Union letter sent to SUFC

Dear Mr Hammond,

We wish to draw to your attention a very serious incident regarding two of Scunthorpe United’s ‘supporters’ during the recent visit to Rotherham United Football Club. These two ‘supporters’ were an absolute disgrace to our good name, and our reputation at Scunthorpe United.

Throughout the game they were hurling vitriolic abusive language towards our players, which unfortunately escalated into the kind of abuse not witnessed at a Scunthorpe United game for quite a number of years.

Having been offensive for the entire game, with half an hour to go their abuse unfortunately became extremely racist in its content.

They directed very serious comments about players colour, in particular towards Delroy Facey whilst he received treatment for an injury, as well as towards both Joe Murphy and Andrew Keogh concerning their nationality.

As you can appreciate, this caused much offence to those supporters in the vicinity of them, including a committee member of our union. He personally asked them to refrain from making such comments, but received a volley of abuse followed by further serious racist remarks and outbursts concerning the colour and race of people in general.

It was so disgraceful and blatant, that having suffered it for so long they were reported by a fellow Scunthorpe United supporter to the police and the stewards at Rotherham United FC. Unfortunately they were allowed to remain seated despite being spoken to and warned, much to the disappointment of those who were seated around them. Upon the realisation that they were remaining at the game this supporter was so disgusted he and his daughter moved away to another area, as did several others sat around these two idiots.

Naturally we do not know who they are to identify them having never seen them at a game previously, but our committee member assures us that he would be able to identify them instantly should he see them again at Glanford Park or any other venue concerning Scunthorpe United.

Therefore we trust that you will take the appropriate action and should they be identified to the club and the police that they be banned for life from attending Scunthorpe United games both home and away. Please note that we will be writing to Rotherham United, and the South Yorkshire police force to complain that they were not ejected and banned as they should have been.

Whilst we appreciate they are in the minority, the blatant and disgraceful actions of these two supporters has in our opinion besmirched our name, our reputation, and our club with their despicable actions.

We trust you will give this letter due attention, and we look forward to your response.

Anthony Dent, on behalf of the Iron Union.