Aldershot fans were apparently guilty of damaging part of the stadium and abusing Boreham Wood keeper Nathan Ashmore last night.
Now I'm not usually into victim-blaming, but it does seem that a significant percentage of times that National League fans are accused of misbehaviour Nathan Ashmore has been in goal for the opposition.
Whilst racism in sport, as in life, is despicable, isn't there sufficient evidence that Nathan's behaviour is undeniably a contributory factor in these instances? It isn't simply that he is a very good keeper at this level, despite his build, who likes to put on a performance and interact with the crowd. It goes further than that, and the fans of several different clubs have reacted in the same way.
Shouldn't the League be asking him to curb his excesses and in return be promising to protect him from all forms of racial abuse? The danger is that one day the incident won't remain minor and someone will do something everyone, including Nathan, will regret.
Now I'm not usually into victim-blaming, but it does seem that a significant percentage of times that National League fans are accused of misbehaviour Nathan Ashmore has been in goal for the opposition.
Whilst racism in sport, as in life, is despicable, isn't there sufficient evidence that Nathan's behaviour is undeniably a contributory factor in these instances? It isn't simply that he is a very good keeper at this level, despite his build, who likes to put on a performance and interact with the crowd. It goes further than that, and the fans of several different clubs have reacted in the same way.
Shouldn't the League be asking him to curb his excesses and in return be promising to protect him from all forms of racial abuse? The danger is that one day the incident won't remain minor and someone will do something everyone, including Nathan, will regret.