FA fines Lincoln City £8,500 over fans’ misconduct
League One club Lincoln City have been fined £8,500 by the Football Association (FA) after their fans directed sectarian chants at Wrexham midfielder James McClean during an English Football League (EFL) match at Sincil Bank on May 3, according to BBC report.
The FA found the League One club guilty of failing to control its supporters and has imposed an action plan aimed at preventing future misconduct.
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Football Association (FA)
The plan includes developing an education programme in partnership with Kick It Out, creating a reporting system for abusive behaviour, and establishing a clear protocol for dealing with abuse targeting players, managers, and officials.
Lincoln chief executive Liam Scully accepted the charge, saying the club was committed to eradicating such behaviour.
“We accept the charge, recognise our responsibility, and remain firmly committed to eradicating negative behaviour through a combination of education and sanctions.”
Following the incidents, the club worked with Lincolnshire Police and reviewed CCTV footage, leading to seven supporters being banned for varying periods.
Scully told BBC Radio Lincolnshire that the club intends to hold an open meeting with fans to discuss experiences and promote a more inclusive matchday environment.
“We can have an inclusive environment where everybody feels welcome and still maintain the phenomenal atmosphere that we enjoy at Sincil Bank,” he said.
The club also confirmed it is in talks with the FA over similar allegations of misconduct during their Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea last month.
