SHOCKED Evesham United chiefs have slammed a small section of Salisbury fans who subjected physio Ali Bulpitt to ‘distressing and offensive sexist and sexual verbal abuse’.
Club chiefs spoke out after Saturday’s Southern League Division One South and West clash at Salisbury’s Ray Mac ground where Ms Bulpitt was verbally abused on a number of occasions.
The popular physio was targeted because of her gender according to club chiefs who said they had been left shocked and very upset by the incidents.
In a statement, the club said: “We wish to place on record our full support for Ali, who is an excellent physio and a highly valued member of our squad, and we are speaking with her and the authorities about how to proceed.
“We will work very closely with the Southern League, County FA and National FA with regard to this incident over the coming days, and moving forward to ensure that we continue to support and embrace the involvement of all in our national game, at Evesham United FC.”
“This type of behaviour and offensive sexual verbal abuse has no place in football or society and we hope that this is an isolated circumstance.”
Club chiefs praised the apology and support from Salisbury FC directors immediately after the incidents and hoped the club would investigate the incidents to identify and punish those involved.
In response, Salisbury’s board of directors expressed their dismay at the ‘distressing and offensive’ comments and offered their support to Ms Bulpitt.
“We wish to make it clear that we are appalled by such comments and behaviour and will take strong action against perpetrators, including banning them from Salisbury FC, should we be made aware of any such abuse and the persons who committed it, and the case be proved.”
“The club’s stance is quite simple: football, both participating and spectating, is open to all creeds, colours, genders and personal persuasions and all are welcome at the Ray Mac – except for those who are unable themselves to abide by similar principles of respect and tolerance.
“We have a large and largely magnificent group of supporters at Salisbury FC and we will not allow their reputation, and the club’s, to be sullied by a few bad apples.”
