A FOOTBALLER whose team face a fine from the FA after they walked off the pitch when he was racially abused has spoken of his disappointment at the 'contradictory' message it sends.

Eboni McCann, from Gillingham, was playing for the town's reserve team against Bridport reserves on October 9 when he was racially abused by a spectator supporting the opposite team during the second half of extra time.

As a consequence, Mr McCann, 26, and his team walked off the pitch and the game was abandoned.

Last week, much to Mr McCann's dismay, Gillingham was slapped with a misconduct charge by the Dorset Football Association (FA) for 'removing themselves from the field of play and being unwilling to continue with the match'.

Gillingham will face a hearing with the Dorset FA at some point in the next week, where the club, which will be represented by Mr McCann, his brother Nigel - who also plays for Gillingham - and the club's manager, hopes to fight the charges and walk away without a fine.

Speaking about the abuse, Mr McCann, who began playing for Gillingham in August, said: "When the spectator abused me it rooted me to the spot. I was shocked and in disbelief that it had happened. I went up to the person and said you cannot say things like that and they brazenly replied: "Yes I can" which is when I, and the rest of my team, walked off."

He added: "I was completely shocked and angry to hear that we had been given a misconduct charge for walking off - it seems crazy to me.

"In my opinion, if you walk off the pitch and the game is abandoned then there should be an investigation, it is ridiculous to automatically charge you with misconduct before you've had a chance to explain yourself.

Dorset Echo: Eboni McCannEboni McCann

"The FA needs to look at this law as it is so contradictory. Throughout the Euro 2020 competition, the FA said that they would stand by England if they were racially abused and if they had walked off I don't think they wouldn't have been charged, but we are.

"I think it's sad. A lot is being done in the higher tier of football but who's looking out for all the people who are in the lower leagues? More needs to be done."

Paul Hill, secretary at Gillingham, was appalled to receive notice of the misconduct charge and hopes the hearing will result in a £0 fine.

He said: "I have never been through this before and I hope that it is resolved quickly and fairly. We have had a huge response on social media from people who witnessed the abuse at the game, including Bridport supporters, all of whom are happy to speak up for Gillingham at the hearing so I hope we get that organised.

"If we are found guilty at the hearing then we will definitely appeal."

Two weeks ago, Dorset Police questioned a 74-year-old man in connection with the racial abuse who was then released under investigation. Yesterday, police said there was no update.

The charge against Gillingham comes amid huge national pressure for bodies to do more to kick racism out of football, with players up and down the country continuing to take a knee before games as a symbol of anti-racism.

Dorset Police is urging anyone with any information to contact them via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210163978.

Alternatively those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.