Sheffield Wednesday vows to defend itself against racist abuse claims

FLASHPOINT: Players from both sides clash in the recent Mansfield Town v Sheffield Wednesday pre-season friendly, which is being investigated by the FA. Picture: Anne Shelley.

The Stags confirmed in a statement on Monday they had “reported an allegation of racist abuse directed at its captain Krystian Pearce to both the Football Association and Nottinghamshire Police”.

Tuesday’s fixture ended with a 22-man brawl, with Stags boss David Flitcroft later saying he had to get Pearce off the pitch after something had “riled” him.

The Football Association is looking into the allegation, saying in a statement: “The FA can confirm that the match referee was made aware of an allegation during the Mansfield v Sheffield Wednesday game on Tuesday July 24 and subsequently reported this to the FA, which has begun making enquiries into the matter.”

A statement from Wednesday read: “Sheffield Wednesday are aware of the very serious allegations made following the pre-season friendly with Mansfield Town on Tuesday 24 July.

“The club vehemently refutes any form of racist abuse on our part and will vigorously defend itself should the need arise.”

Both clubs said they would be making no further comment at this time. The incident happened towards the end of Mansfield’s 2-1 win at Field Mill.