The members of Camden and Islington United (Candi) football club have decided to refuse playing a second match against Munter Hunters FC while an investigation is being conducted on their opponents.
The men’s team led by Candi had a scheduled match against MHFC in the Sunday Wembley Cup. However, they recently made the decision to not participate due to the team’s registered name as MHFC and offensive content shared on their official social media accounts. As a result, they have also declined to participate in the quarter-final of the Sunday Premier Plate, despite being the current champions of both competitions.
The London Football League has postponed last Sunday’s Wembley Cup match after Candi chose to boycott the game. Despite raising concerns about the safety of the two teams playing each other while an investigation is ongoing, Candi was informed that they would still be expected to play in this weekend’s Premier Plate tie. However, the London Football League has now informed them that the match has also been postponed due to their second consecutive boycott.
“We were informed once more, with no ambiguity, that we would have to face MHFC this upcoming weekend. However, we chose not to participate,” stated Billy Doyle, the captain of Candi’s Sunday men’s team.
Candi remains committed to its principles and is prepared to give up our titles as champions of both cups in order to demonstrate to the women in our club and the larger community that we will not tolerate an unsafe or disrespectful environment. We are heartened by the Amateur FA’s promise of a swift and thorough investigation, but it should never have reached this point. It is not the responsibility of our team to ensure that football is an inclusive space.
On Sunday, the male team will be present at the game featuring their female first team and Dulwich Hamlet’s reserves. This is part of their ongoing effort to combat misogyny and they are welcoming the football community to join in a celebration of women in the sport.
According to Ali Speechly, the director of women’s football at Candi, the team has received an overwhelming amount of support from the football community after publicly speaking out against misogyny in the sport. While grateful for the solidarity, they are disheartened by the fact that their experience is all too common and that few clubs are willing to take a stand. Speechly believes that words alone will not bring about change, so instead of playing their scheduled match this Sunday, Candi will be hosting a small festival to promote inclusive football. They hope that all those who share their vision will join them at the event.
The London Football League announced that the second match has been postponed. They referred to their previous statement from last week, stating that they will not share their opinion until the Football Association investigation is completed. The Amateur FA also stated that they will not be making any further comments at this time. Their chief executive, Jason Kilby, previously stated that they take reports of inappropriate behavior seriously and are dedicated to eradicating discrimination and promoting diversity within their organization and in Amateur FA football.
Last week, a representative from the Football Association stated that they are collaborating with the Amateur Football Alliance to assist in their inquiry and take necessary actions. They strongly denounce any acts of misogyny, as it has no place in football or society as a whole. Any club or individual found guilty of such behavior will face consequences. All accusations of this nature are treated with severity and will not be accepted in our sport.
MHFC has chosen not to provide a statement at this time due to the ongoing investigation.
Source: theguardian.com
