A semi-professional footballer has alleged he was called a “f***ing Jew” by a former teammate after playing for Vanarama National League South side Hemel Hempstead at the weekend.
Midfielder Scott Shulton said he received the antisemitic abuse from a Braintree Town player during his side’s 2-1 away victory at the Essex club’s Ironmongery Direct Stadium.
The incident during Saturday’s game – which attracted a crowd of 432 - provoked a confrontation between Mr Shulton, who began the season playing for Braintree himself, and his former teammate.
Speaking to the JC, Shulton said: “I spoke to the referee after the game and he said he would be mentioning the incident in his report – which means it should now be passed on to the FA.
“For this reason I don’t want to say the name of the player involved so as not to prejudice any possible investigation.
“But during the match as soon as he said what he said, I grabbed him, and then other players got involved before the referee came over.
“He didn’t hear what was said, neither did the assistant referee so it was my word against his. The referee said he would either give us both a card or just speak to us, he did the latter.
“I then spoke to referee afterwards in the changing room.
“Having played at Braintree earlier this season, it was a game I was looking forward to and I have so many fond memories of playing there. But the memories were unfortunately ruined by the antisemitic comments I was subjected to.
“This was the first time in my career I have experienced that on the pitch. The Hemel fans were amazing throughout the whole game towards me and all the players and staff supported me and I can’t thank them enough for that.
“I hope to hear back from them and the FA in the next few days.”
Mr Shulton started his career in the Watford Academy and moved to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, where he was handed a one-year-contract at the age of 18. In 2009, he was selected for the Maccabi Great Britain Mens’ side to play in the Maccabiah Games in Israel, where the team went on to win a silver medal.
After being released by Wycombe, a move into non-league followed to Ebsfleet United and then Braintree Town, with whom he won the Conference South title in 2011.
Mr Shulton enjoyed spells at Bishop’s Stortford, Hendon, Wingate & Finchley and Enfield Town before re-signing for Braintree. He then left The Iron for Vauxhall Road in October 2017.
