Tamworth footballer refuses to play over club's reaction to racism

Tamworth guardant Chris Wreh says helium made himself unavailable for their midweek crippled arsenic helium felt the nine had not supported him capable aft helium was racially abused online pursuing their FA Cup third-round defeat.

Wreh was a second-half substitute arsenic the part-time National League broadside took Premier League Tottenham to other clip connected Sunday, eventually losing 3-0.

Afterwards the 28-year-old posted an representation to his societal media of an Instagram connection from a idiosyncratic utilizing racist connection and blaming Wreh for him losing a stake connected the game.

Wreh said helium had received enactment from Tamworth manager Andy Peaks and fans, and been contacted by police.

However helium said helium was "disappointed" by a deficiency of a nationalist connection from the club, claiming lone 1 nine authoritative had been successful interaction since helium posted the screenshot - to accidental the nine wanted to "keep the substance internal".

As a result, Wreh said helium declined to play successful Tamworth's Birmingham Senior Cup third-round lucifer against Boldmere St Michaels connected Tuesday.

"Incidents similar this item the ongoing contented of racism," Wreh wrote successful a connection posted to his X and Instagram accounts., external "It is shameful to beryllium racially abused by idiosyncratic simply due to the fact that they mislaid a bet, but sadly this happens each excessively often.

"While I person the utmost respect for my manager, who has supported maine passim this issue, I americium disappointed that the nine has not publically supported maine yet, which has near maine feeling confused and disappointed.

"At nary constituent was I asked if I was OK, alternatively I was informed that the soundlessness was owed to a tendency to support the substance internal. I cannot hold with oregon condone this approach.

"If these incidents are kept 'in-house', they volition ne'er beryllium addressed. I anticipation everyone understands my reasons for speaking out."

BBC Sport has contacted Tamworth FC for comment.

Wreh joined Tamworth, who are 16th successful the 5th tier of English football, successful 2023. The striker has besides played for Hartlepool United, Southend United and Banbury United.

Since Sunday's tie, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has criticised a conception of the Tamworth support for maltreatment aimed astatine him during the match.