Club Statement 12/07/19

On Monday 8th July 2019 a disciplinary panel of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) met in mid-Wales to consider the initial charge brought against Cefn Albion Football Club for the alleged racial or other discriminatory behaviour, conduct or language of Its supporters whilst attending the FAW Trophy Semi Final match between Cefn Albion FC and STM Sports FC on the 16th March 2019.

Cefn Albion can confirm that after carefully considering the extensive written, verbal and video evidence that was submitted to assist with the investigations, the FAW panel decided that the all charges relating to racism were found not proven.

Since these allegations were brought to light via a national ITV Wales television broadcast (aired on 9/4/19) it has been an extremely stressful and trying experience for everyone involved with Cefn Albion, especially because we put so much work into ensuring that ours is a true community club, welcoming and inclusive to all. Needless to say, everyone at the club is delighted and relieved to have been vindicated on these serious allegations. 

As a club, we have tried to act in a dignified and professional manner throughout this process, fully cooperating with the FAW and refusing to react when many others were having their say, without a full understanding of all the facts and available evidence. We would like to think some of those who chose to voice opinions about these allegations before the they had been proven might now take the opportunity to reflect on some of the comments made and their impact on our community and football club.

It should be noted that STM Sports FC representatives were expected to attend the hearing earlier this week, but they chose not to show up, something we find particularly disappointing given the serious and very public nature of the allegations that were made.

We are disappointed but can confirm that FAW panel found the charges of alleged encroachment of the pitch area and alleged failure of its spectators to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion to be proven. Despite raising what we felt were valid points, after reviewing evidence we accept that some supporters were probably a little over exuberant in celebrating an extra time goal in what was at that point, the biggest game in the club’s history. We will take the necessary steps to remind all spectators of their responsibility to support the football club within the rules of the game.

We can now finally reflect wholly positively on an amazing 2018/19 season, that witnessed the football club lift a prestigious national trophy for the first time, and we can look forward and focus all our efforts on the new 2019/20 campaign knowing that the good name of the club has been upheld.

We thank everyone who submitted vital evidence and the FAW panel members for their work and for giving us a fair hearing.

Official FAW confirmation https://www.faw.cymru/en/news/statement-disciplinary-hearing-stm-sports-cefn-albion.

Related article: http://www.cefnalbion.co.uk/latest-news/cub-statement-150719/

Cefn Albion Football Club will be making no further comment on this matter.