South Shields have condemned “reprehensible” comments over the Black Lives Matter movement made to a national radio station by a caller claiming to be a representative of the club.
The comments regarding the controversial banner that was flown over the Etihad Stadium during Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Burnley on Monday night were made to LBC Radio by a caller referring to himself as James.
He claimed to be a representative of the club and also said that they had held a conversation with Mariners joint-manager Graham Fenton over the topic.
The Northern Premier League club have confirmed that they have held an internal investigation over the matter, and they have stressed that the caller is “in no way” connected with them.
The Mariners went on to state that they are “inspired” by the Black Lives Matter movement and described Fenton as “a real advocate of diversity and equality”.
The caller was also widely condemned by the club’s supporters via social media on Wednesday morning and Fenton described himself as “absolutely disgusted” by the comments that were made.
In a passionate statement released via the club website, he said: “I am absolutely disgusted that this unknown person to our great Club claims to have had a call with myself regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I can assure everyone that no such conversation with this person or any other person for that matter has taken place.
“I wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter movement and really hope this initiative ends the oppression and social injustices that have affected black lives for far too long.
“If anyone has any information on the identity of this person, I would encourage you to get in touch with our club to let us know who he is so we can take the appropriate action.
“Black Lives really do matter!”
