Police probe allegations of racial abuse against ball-boy

Lee Croft admitted confronting the youngster after accusing him of time-wasting but categorically denied any racial abuse.

He received backing from Oldham manager Paul Dickov but after the final whistle police immediately received nine complaints from irate Sheffield United fans.

And yesterday the police issued a statement reading: “South Yorkshire Police can confirm that officers are investigating allegations of racially abusive remarks made towards a 14-year-old ball-boy at the football match between Sheffield United FC and Oldham Athletic FC.”

The match ended 1-1 after Oldham scored a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Croft putting his finger to his lips and turning to the United fans in the North Stand in a gesture to silence them.

One fan had to be restrained by stewards after attempting to confront Croft as the Oldham players celebrated in front of their 864 fans at the away end.

Croft’s altercation with the ball-boy came after the ball had gone out of play for a United throw near the end of normal time and the Oldham player claimed: “He kept hold of the ball trying to play clever. Fair play if they tell the ball-boys to do that but I’ve run over to get it and he’s kicked the ball away. So in my frustration I’ve said ‘What are you doing?’ and had a go. Then the fans gave me some abuse. Then like any footballer who is passionate, when we’ve scored, I’ve enjoyed the goal.

“No, I did not say anything to offend the lad. I wouldn’t do that. I was just annoyed in the heat of the moment. I just wanted to get the ball back and try and get an equaliser and that’s all that’s happened. I got a fan running on at the end trying to abuse me. Then I went over and apologised to the young lad but he didn’t want to know and pushed my hand away.

“I’ve heard there’s been complaints by the fans. Can I complain about them abusing me all game, you know what I mean?”

His manager, Dickov, said: “I’ve been made aware of the accusation against him and he categorically denies it. What I will say is that if something has happened then we will deal with it because we won’t put up with it. On the other hand, anyone who knows Lee Croft will tell you it’s not true. Lee Croft has not got that in his body.

“A lot of people have jumped on the band wagon very quickly. The kid (ball-boy) himself has said he doesn’t know exactly what was said. I’m never ever going to condone anything like that, don’t get me wrong, but knowing Lee as I do and what he’s told me, I trust him completely.”

Neither Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson or captain Michael Doyle were aware of the incident but a statement from the visitors read: “The player has categorically denied the allegation. The club and his team-mates are fully supportive of him.

“The club understands that the police are making enquiries into the allegation and, as a result, will not be making any further statements in relation to this matter.”