Hyde FC footballer spits in face of Barrow AFC fan
Last updated at 21:52, Thursday, 16 August 2012
WHEN a Barrow fan set out to watch the Bluebirds take on Blue Square Premier newcomers Hyde FC, the last thing he expected was to be spat at by a player.
To the surprise of 21-year-old Greg Taylor, who travelled to the game with friends Luke Benson and Liam Shepherd, he was the victim of the attack by an opposition forward.
Towards the end of the second half of Tuesday night’s game, Hyde FC striker Scott Spencer failed to keep the ball in play.
A group of Barrow fans mocked Mr Spencer’s efforts, only to see the former Barrow triallist turn to Mr Taylor and spit in his face.
The decade-long Barrow fan, of Hornbeam Crescent, slammed Mr Spencer’s conduct and called for disciplinary action. He said: “Kids around the country would love to play football twice a week and receive payment for it.
“He should be a role model, a professional and a gentleman. In all roles of life and professions people always look up at the top.
“In my opinion it is no better than when Cantona kicked a fan, and for that reason I will be contacting the FA. We went to watch a game and ended up being the victim of one of the worst assault crimes going. On a personal level, a public apology and a ticket to the next Barrow game will suffice, to refund what turned out to be a terrible night and an embarrassing one.”
Following a complaint to a Hyde steward Mr Taylor received a personal phone call from Mr Spencer to apologise. The Hyde player also left voicemails apologising on the phone of Mr Benson and Mr Taylor.
Mr Taylor said he felt unable to forgive Mr Spencer’s actions and called on the Blue Square Premier League to take disciplinary action.
Scott McNiven, Hyde FC manager, said: “Rest assured, action will be taken – I was not a happy chappy. When it was raised I got him to ring the fan and apologise. There will be discipline but we will deal with that in-house, we will not be making anything public.
“Knowing Scotty, this is totally out of character. It has tainted a decent start to the season.”
First published at 16:23, Thursday, 16 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Mr Taylor should have got the Police involved straight away. This wasn't the actions of a footballer but a gutter rat and has no place in any sport or any walk of life! You may not be to late to take the appropriate action and return this rat to the sewer Where he belongs!
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A disgusting thing to do and quite rightly his manager should deal with him accordingly which I'm sure he will.
Disagree with Mar Mc and his comment about the police, keep them out of it, not sure how you were brought up but I was brought up not to grass on people, just as despicable as spitting in someones face to me.Posted by Mark Taylor on 20 August 2012 at 23:50