Coventry City's Gary McSheffrey and Oldham Athletic's Lee Croft battle for the ball during the npower Football League One match at Boundary Park, Oldham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday September 29, 2012. See PA story SOCCER Oldham. Photo credit should read: PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league logos.
Former Norwich City winger denies racism allegations
David Thorpe
Monday, October 15, 2012
9:06 AM
Former Norwich City winger Lee Croft has denied allegations that he racially abused a ball boy while playing for Oldham Athletic at Sheffield United on Saturday.
The League One club has been informed that South Yorkshire Police are investigating the allegation. But 27 year old Croft insisted: “I’ve run over to get the ball, he’s kicked it away and in my frustration I’ve said ‘what are you doing?’ and had a go. I’ve not said anything to offend the lad, I wouldn’t do that.”
The Football Association said it was aware of the allegations and was looking into the matter.
A statement for the League One club said: “The player has categorically denied the allegation. The club and his team-mates are fully supportive of him. The club will not be making further statements in relation to this matter.”
Oldham boss Paul Dickov said that Blades fans were “trying to get Croft into trouble” with the accusations.
“I’ve spoken to Lee about it and he categorically denies it,” said Dickov.
“If something has happened, we will deal with it because we won’t put up with it. But Lee Croft has not got that in his body.
“I’ve been told a lot of people have jumped on the bandwagon very quickly. The kid himself has said he doesn’t know what was actually said.
“I’m never going to condone anything like that but, knowing Lee as I do, I trust him completely.” Croft added that he apologised to the ball boy in question but his apology was not accepted.
“He didn’t want to know and pushed my hand away,” said Croft.
“As far as I’m concerned the matter is finished. Can I complain about them (the United fans) abusing me all game? I’ve not done anything wrong.”
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9 comments
Don`t recall Croft being super-fast, Billy. Some fans dubbed him "The Fat Winger".
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Mad Brewer
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I miss that guy tearing up the right wing with Huckers on the other, those were the days, even if we weren't the best team in the premier league there was sure times to remember, our 2-1 win over man utd, Safri's 45 yarder against newcastle that evening when we won 2-1, our 4-4 draw with middlesborough with about 3 goals in 6 minutes. I was there for all that season and I'm only a young whippersnapper! That season and the one we just had are truly ones to remember, and hopefully this one isn't one to forget.
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Billy
Monday, October 15, 2012
Greg agree with the comment, but where is Gary McSheffery ,he must be the invisible man. and Brew you are so correct, there has been no news of NCFC or their players for about 4 days. As for Butterfield dont know [not helpful i know but !!! its more than this august publication has told us]
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wivenhoebudgie
Monday, October 15, 2012
I couldnt have put it across and worded it any better on your last comment Mad Brewer.
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yarco
Monday, October 15, 2012
Still no news about OUR players. Why did Cushie Butterfield miss the last U21 game, after being trumpeted as a certain participant by this comic magazine? Or have I missed something? Perhaps he`s been loaned out in exchange for a much needed spare goalkeeper?
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Mad Brewer
Monday, October 15, 2012
I am sure that there has to be a joke in this report somewhere but I am not brave enough to go in and find it.
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Swiss Canary
Monday, October 15, 2012
Surprised you can read that essay, Greg. It`s so pale it`s barely legible on my screen. It doesn`t seem to have much connection with the picture, either. Croft hasn`t aged gracefully since he abandoned ship upon our relegation to L1 in order to join the mighty Coventry. At least he`s now at the mighty Oldham. Good meat and potato pies in Oldham, Crofty? You didn`t have to eat them all.
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Mad Brewer
Monday, October 15, 2012
Is that hairline receding or is the weight of his backside tugging it down his back?
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B Inners
Monday, October 15, 2012
whats with the essay for the photo credits?
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Greg Sayer
Monday, October 15, 2012