Lincoln City FC has been hit with a hefty £8,500 fine by the Football Association (FA). This follows sectarian chants targeted at Wrexham’s James McClean during a game at Sincil Bank on 3 May. The FA pointed the finger at the club’s inability to manage its supporters during these episodes. This led to an investigation that included CCTV footage, interviews involving stewards and cooperation with Lincolnshire Police. Due to this, seven fans now face bans from the club for varying durations.
In a bid to halt future incidents, the FA requests that an action plan be put into action for The Imps. This involves creating an educational programme in partnership with anti-racism group Kick It Out, improving mechanisms for fans to report abuse, and setting up protocols for managing abuse aimed at players and officials. Liam Scully, Lincoln City’s Chief Executive, accepted the charge and underlined the club’s dedication to tackling negative behaviour using education and sanctions.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Mr Scully declared his plan to conduct an open meeting with supporters to discuss their experiences and gather input. He emphasised the need to strike a balance between education and sanctions in order to preserve the lively atmosphere at Sincil Bank without sacrificing inclusivity.
The club is currently in conversation with the FA over similar allegations during a Carabao Cup match against Chelsea the previous month.
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