Stephens quits County after racist abuse (From South Wales Argus)

Stephens quits County after racist abuse

1:20pm Friday 20th March 2009 in Latest Football Exclusive By Michael Pearlman

Happier times: Kevin Stephens after signing for County last summer

KEVIN Stephens has vowed never to play for Newport County again after being deeply upset by racist abuse hurled at an opponent by a small group of Exiles fans.

The defender will be granted his release from the Exiles after storming out of Spytty Park following Wednesday’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bath City.

A furious Stephens, 24, has told the Argus that Bath striker Stuart Douglas was subjected to monkey noises and racist terms during Wednesday’s clash. Stephens insists it isn’t the first time this season he’s heard racist abuse from a small section of County supporters, described by Stephens as a “small minority of idiots”.

Stephens was also fuming at the abuse boss Dean Holdsworth received as he left down the tunnel on Wednesday and couldn’t contain his feelings when speaking to the Argus. He is the second player this season to make an allegation of racist abuse against Newport fans; Braintree’s Louis Riddle the other.

Stephens explained: “It’s horrible for me to have to say this, but I heard some disgusting things being directed at their striker and it isn’t the first time I’ve heard stuff, I also heard monkey noises and racist terms at Hampton and Richmond this season, again from our supporters. That is why I was so riled up after the game.

“I love the Newport County fans, the vast majority of them are passionate and brilliant, but I am a black player. When a small minority of idiots abuse a black player in another team, how is that supposed to make me feel? I had two family members at the game and they said they felt uncomfortable and intimidated, that’s horrible for me to hear.

“Never before in football have I experienced racism, not until this season.

“People expect you to just deal with it, but why should I?

“I then heard Dean Holdsworth being called a ******* English ****, I am black and I am English, how do I react to that kind of abuse.

“I feel massively let down and I can’t play for this club again. To the majority of the fans I say sorry, I really loved my time at the club, but I am not driving 300 miles for a home game to have to put up with that.”

Boss Holdsworth gave Stephens his unequivocal backing.

“I’ve talked to Kevin who was in tears, he feels gutted by what has happened and we wish him very well for the future. It really is disappointing to hear what he’s heard from the terraces and he insists it isn’t the first time either.”

Board member Chris Blight has urged true County fans to do all they can to identify the culprits.

“I’ve heard from Kevin and I am mortified, it’s like we’re going back to the Dark Ages,” he said.

“The Supporters Trust have shown real vigour in their desire to support the club and I hope all supporters would show the same vigour in identifying this minority who seem intent on dragging the club’s name through the mud.

“Kevin Stephens has been an utter pleasure to have at the club and to hear that he himself has asked to leave because of what he’s heard from the stands, it’s horrifying.

“We’ve come so far as a club. But racism is totally unacceptable and anyone who doesn’t share that view really isn’t welcome at Newport Stadium.”

Bath striker Stuart Douglas acknowledged that he had been abused by a section of County supporters but claims he was unaware that the abuse was racist in nature.