SUFFOLK Football Association has launched an investigation after a 14-year-old boy was sent off for racially abusing an opponent.

Mike Bacon

SUFFOLK Football Association has launched an investigation after a 14-year-old boy was sent off for racially abusing an opponent.

The game in question was an under-15s match in the South Suffolk Youth League, with the player being sent off in the second half of the encounter. His club slapped an immediate 35-day ban on him.

A spokesman at Suffolk FA said: “Suffolk FA can confirm it is looking into an allegation of racial abuse at a match involving two youth sides.

“The case is currently subject to a full and thorough investigation and no further comment regarding the matter will be made whilst in this process.

“Suffolk FA is a strong and active supporter of the 'Kick it Out' campaign and will not tolerate any form of abuse within football.”

The sending-off could result in a lengthy ban for the youngster from Suffolk FA as well, and comes in the middle of Suffolk FA's 'Kick It Out' campaign, a national initiative that concentrates on challenging discrimination, encouraging inclusive practices and working for positive change.

The period of action began on October 15.

The Football Association and the County FAs have been working hard in recent years with the 'Kick It Out' campaign and the Respect campaign, both initiatives targeting players, officials, fans and parents to have more tolerance of opponents and officials, especially in youth team football.

Already youth team football at under-eight level is non-competitive, with teams' results being recorded on the FA websites as 0-0, with no team being deemed champions.

This is aimed at trying to keep the game fun for children, as well as take the pressure off playing only to win.