[Dancingwilldoit]

There is no excuse for racial abuse, however the abused person has behaved. It does, however, have to be noted that there have been several incidents this season involving Nathan Ashmore of Ebbsfleet and crowds. Now it may have a bit to do with the fact that a lower percentage of black players become keepers than outfield players, so he genuinely becomes the object upon which those with spleen do actually vent it, but it could also be the case that he uses what he knows will happen if he engages in some winding-up. But this incident should be looked into in the light of other incidents involving Ebbsfleet, AND the other incidents which are starting to occur involving Chesterfield.

Referees in general are hung our to dry by football. They either appear weak and inconsistent, or inflexible and petty. Certainly some do think themselves more of an attraction than the game ........ but such is life. That's people. If the game were played in the proper spirit no one would notice whether the referee was a man or a woman ....... but money and the fans kill the tinkerbell flame that is the proper spirit. Football is a game in which thuggery and cheating are rife. Referees should be respected irrespective of whether they earn it by getting every decision right during the game. Just being there speaks volumes for them. Imagine the courage it would take for a black gay woman to take charge of a feisty National League game in front of 4 - 5,000 screaming fans. Imagine keeping your head and making on-the-spot decisions in that situation. We need the world to turn a whole lot more and football to turn over a new leaf. It isn't the refs - it's the game.

I'm sorry Dancing, but the crowd is not an amorphous mindless mass whose behaviour is controlled by random actions on a pitch fifty yards away. If it were, then you would have been on the pitch too! These are self-indulgent people looking for reasons to excuse themselves from the norms of human behaviour. They want to be the centre of attention. Don't excuse them! If the ref is Martin Atkinson or a fifteen year old girl should make no difference at all! The pitch invaders are individuals who all knew what they were doing was wrong in ANY circumstance. CHOP OFF THEIR GOOLIES!

Dev, In no way did or do I excuse them, they were lunatics and deserve any ban they get. Ashmore was to blame for inciting the fans who were all lined up against the hoardings. The stewards did nothing to get the fans back in their seats and it was obvious to the rest of the crowd what would happen if we scored the third. We did and the rest is now history.
The fans were chanting "You fat Bastard" I didnt hear any racial abuse and both BJW and I think it was Reid (both Black) were there trying to calm things down and they showed no reaction and Reid even seemed to encourage the fans.
Its so easy for somebody to play the race card and try to cover for his own shortcomings. Ashmore played it when it suited. He is a fat bastard as well.