A football match was marred by a half-time brawl between the two teams after an alleged racist remark was made.
The match, between Aberbargoed Buds and Ton Pentre in the Welsh League Division Two, saw the two sets of players embroiled in a scuffle as the half-time whistle blew.
It is claimed the fight was triggered by a derogatory remark made in the ground by one unidentified person. The match, played at Aberbargoed’s Recreation Ground in the Rhymney Valley, ended in a 2-2 draw.
Aberbargoed secretary Graham Owen rejected the claims, stating the club would “absolutely not tolerate” any player guilty of racial abuse.
After the match Ton Pentre claimed there had been an incident fuelled by a racist remark made during the game. Ton Pentre said their recent signing, Nana Baah, was racially abused while the team were leaving the field at half-time with the score at 2-2.
Ton Pentre’s secretary Chris Jones said: “It was a fiery opening half, which sometimes happens in games like this. But when the players were leaving the field something was shouted at our black player, Nana Baah, which led to a scuffle among the players.”
It was only the second game that Cardiff-based Baah had played for the Rhondda side.
Mr Jones said: “We have a good relationship with the Aberbargoed club. This was an isolated incident involving an individual.”
Mr Owen said nobody was aware of any racial abuse and that the whole matter had been blown out of proportion.
He said: “This club has never had any problems with racial abuse, which is something we would absolutely not tolerate.
“We have played against many teams containing black players and there have never been any problems.”
Mr Owen also said the referee had cited a Ton Pentre supporter for misconduct.
Ton Pentre AFC chairman Brian Bees said: “It is unwise for me to make a club comment until I have seen the referee’s report.”
South Wales Police said no complaints were made to them following the game.
Wales online
