Post by sooty on Aug 23, 2008 1:56:30 GMT
We haven't met Craig but I know you know who I am. I am writing this to you as a Cambridge United football supporter first and foremost but also as a supporter of Communities and those who aren't always able to defend or represent themselves.
I came to the meeting organised by Gareth and Fall. There was great support at the meeting numbers wise...around 10% of your fan base...which beats anything us U's have mustered for over any issue which showed the depth of your followers feelings....hard core...X
I had read everything in the papers/net since the fated day, researched the hearing notes as well as had confirmed some of the issues Gareth told us about surrounding the hearings and appeal. I promised everyone across the 3 local football forums that I would do a report on the meeting to express my opinion...and I offer it here...X
Firstly can I apologise for my Clubs complete failure to respect the initial hearing by failing to turn up. When the FA got hold of the only contactable person to find out where the U's lot where...Leo answered the call by saying'we aren't coming because we're focusing on Wembley'. I know this wasn't ideal and certainly when Gareth stood outside the FA and spoke to Phil and asked 'are you taking the p?'...his response that he knew nothing of the hearing must have been gobsmacking. When Wayne Purser confirmed they had forgot...it equally wasn't what you wanted to hear. I understand Phil apologised to Gareth unreservedly when he had been informed of his clubs unprofessionalism and his lack of knowing whats going on. Obviously that very act by Cambridge United Ltd under his stewardship did draw the thing on several more weeks to the next hearing which was then filled with hearsay and waffle around this locality. Histon did right not to say anything given those circumstances....yet you could have said loads...well done in all your restraint...X
Now...at this point...this is where you become my hero! Considering you had the option to have it thrown out that day...and you to walk away.....the fact you insisted on re-arranging the date so you could clear your name...is...well....my kinda guy!x
Considering the evidence you had...and only 1 dodgy sole witness against you...then of course you had too.....job done init!
Gareth explained at the meeting that in hindsight he felt he made a mistake in getting you the best brief available. I can't condemn him for it because he thought he was getting the best for you as you deserved it. However...reading the way she treated the Chairman of the panel from the Middlesex FA then I can well imagine he and they didn't appreciate her giving it large talking to them in the way she did! She's a girl too init...this is a mans thing....and they did show that contempt for her in their replies...ouch!
At this point I have to make another apology about our end. Brian Attmore our Fans Director had been publicly talking about witnesses in the Habbin who heard this and that who had apparently wrote statements about this and that...which as we now know was all b*ll*x. My research confirms that the 1 geeza who had made a statement from the Habbin had to withdraw it as he said he heard u say 'you black B******' yet the case was built around you apparently saying 'you black c***!' Brian was irresponsible in proliferating such false rumour. His feed back to us all was in fact full of inaccuracies and really...propoganda. It also gives me no pleasure in recalling him arriving back after your hearing to our new Managers meeting to introduce Gary Brabin....to witness him on the phone for nearly an hour to our Club Secretary revelling in you being found guilty....bang out of order.....and i'm sorry...X
I am appalled at his behaviour and indeed as a 'fans' representative I believe he mis-represented our interests and certainly didn't represent me or many others by laughing in yours and Histons plight. I will take this issue up with him further...rest assured. Please take equal pleasure in knowing he will shortly be removed from his post representing decent fans very soon by popular demand. I will take great pleasure in having his ilk out of circulation in this football community. Even if you were banged to rights...it still ain't no laughing matter. He will not have the
last laugh...I reckon.
Ok...now the 'evidence'. Gareth ran the footage several times which clearly showed the fracas throughout. I will return to that in a second. As the hearing shows...it was only 1 person...Rob Wolleston...who said he heard you say 'you black c***'. The visuals clearly show him and you isolated from the rest having words. What I find incredible is the quality of the evidence available against you...his testimony being he said he thought it was your voice?!! He didn't see you say it but thought it was your voice even though he'd never seen or heard you before in his life as pointed out by your brief! You can see the point where he turns in your direction to say 'what did you say?'...but seeing as you didn't repeat it and the fact he is asking for clarification means he can't have been sure in the first place what you had said surely?!
Going back to the footage.....I have compared incidents where actual racist words are used...and without sound on them all...the pictures are amazingly revealing. Out of 4 bits of footage similar to your fracas from League and Non League games.....as soon as the abuse is said.....IT KICKS OFF BIG TIME...every time!!!!!
In the footage of your game...at the point Rob said he thought you said what you said....he has no reaction to it at all....and carries on with the game! I've seen players go screaming to the ref for a yellow /red card for tapping their ankle...yet Rob 'thinks' he heard your voice say 'you black c***' to Leo who was 20/30 yards away....and din't have any re-action whatsoever equal to anything i'd seen...why?
The answer Rob gave for not really re-acting was also puzzling. With 22 minutes of the game left and a further 21 minutes in the changing rooms before he tells Alan Lewer in a casual chat that that was said for him to then go to the ref and make a complaint.....and his answer to the time delay in reacting was dreadful really...."I wanted to get on with the game and then we were celebrating in the dressing room and Alan asked what happened and I told him...and we went to the ref as he insisted to make the complaint'.....that happened 43 minutes after he had heard you say a racist comment about his team mate? How the FA panel see that as 'normal' in these circumstances is incredible!
As Gareth says...football is based around probability...and the probability of you having said anything of the kind based on Robs visual and time frame reaction to it all is in your favour i'd say...! But then again...we've had the same our end. 3 fans were convicted against all odds at a Burton game....any solicitor would have been able to beat the prosecutions weight of evidence....but they didn't have one....so it was one way...sadly.
I have sincere sympathy with you and your re-action to the verdict. I would have been equally distraught. It does make me proud though to know of the support you got instantly from U's players. Considering the implications our end then it was no surprise that Rob left us not long after the verdict. How he went was naughty but him going was probably for the best. Having your good mates like Danny Brown and others sharing the dressing room with Rob can't have been easy for all.
The appeal was b*ll*x too. The simple fact you had nothing new to bring to the table except the same probability and single witness...and it wouldn't be reviewed again by a new panel who focused on the evidence as opposed to another stroppy brief....is harsh. Brick wall job.....and I completely understand that you must have felt you'd hit one at 100mph....I feel for you mate...X
So...this meeting. It was called so that Gareth and Fall could tell your fans that they intended to support your return if you would. After reviewing it all.....i'd have done the same...and any club should too. So be proud of the support you are recieiving...you fully deserve it.
It is a massive thing your club has done to choose to support you. Football fans can be the cruellest and prejudiced people in the land. The fact you wear a different coloured scarf means they swear and abuse you! You will get the abuse no question...because they can. It's not based on their understanding of things....they just want to have a go...and your an easy touch. But....just play your game....knowing your 'family' are around you. They are the folk who you spend your time with....they are the folk who believe and support you. They are all that count. You know your truth...and as far as the 'evidence' is concerned....I defy anyone except the FA to have come up with their same judgement in the manner they did.
I understand you have an option to clear your name by suing Rob personally in a civil action. I believe you would win. Whether you choose that route is your choice. It is expensive and no guarantee as you know. Personally...I would just move on.
Enjoy the support of your fans at the game today. I will be thinking of you whilst at Eastbournbe with the U's. I wish you every succes both on and off the field. I know you are in for some stick locally during our fixtures. So be it. However...you have many firends at City...and indeed you have my support at the U's. I will speak with key people to try and limit the damage. But if you decide to come back completely....these are the realities you are facing. You can do it...ive seen others come through it. I hope you go for it....X
Once again...I apologise for my clubs unhelpful and unprofessional approach to your dilemma. Our Chairman will be removed soon. It is about time as his lack of responsibility in this matter and unproffesionalism across the board in other issues has compromised many...too many...of which you and your club now are added to his list. I hope you don't hold any grudges against us U's in general.....although you have every right too...but hopefully you will see there are sensible folk around too...!x
Have a long and prosperous career Craig...X
LUV
SOOTY
X
....you score against us though and i'll personally run on the pitch and kick ure ar*e....X
...by the way...don't worry about me mate...nobody will call me a racist sympathiser or owt....i'm brown see!x
@@
~
...p.s...if you ever need to call for advice or just a friendly voice...your welcome...07710 805360.
I came to the meeting organised by Gareth and Fall. There was great support at the meeting numbers wise...around 10% of your fan base...which beats anything us U's have mustered for over any issue which showed the depth of your followers feelings....hard core...X
I had read everything in the papers/net since the fated day, researched the hearing notes as well as had confirmed some of the issues Gareth told us about surrounding the hearings and appeal. I promised everyone across the 3 local football forums that I would do a report on the meeting to express my opinion...and I offer it here...X
Firstly can I apologise for my Clubs complete failure to respect the initial hearing by failing to turn up. When the FA got hold of the only contactable person to find out where the U's lot where...Leo answered the call by saying'we aren't coming because we're focusing on Wembley'. I know this wasn't ideal and certainly when Gareth stood outside the FA and spoke to Phil and asked 'are you taking the p?'...his response that he knew nothing of the hearing must have been gobsmacking. When Wayne Purser confirmed they had forgot...it equally wasn't what you wanted to hear. I understand Phil apologised to Gareth unreservedly when he had been informed of his clubs unprofessionalism and his lack of knowing whats going on. Obviously that very act by Cambridge United Ltd under his stewardship did draw the thing on several more weeks to the next hearing which was then filled with hearsay and waffle around this locality. Histon did right not to say anything given those circumstances....yet you could have said loads...well done in all your restraint...X
Now...at this point...this is where you become my hero! Considering you had the option to have it thrown out that day...and you to walk away.....the fact you insisted on re-arranging the date so you could clear your name...is...well....my kinda guy!x
Considering the evidence you had...and only 1 dodgy sole witness against you...then of course you had too.....job done init!
Gareth explained at the meeting that in hindsight he felt he made a mistake in getting you the best brief available. I can't condemn him for it because he thought he was getting the best for you as you deserved it. However...reading the way she treated the Chairman of the panel from the Middlesex FA then I can well imagine he and they didn't appreciate her giving it large talking to them in the way she did! She's a girl too init...this is a mans thing....and they did show that contempt for her in their replies...ouch!
At this point I have to make another apology about our end. Brian Attmore our Fans Director had been publicly talking about witnesses in the Habbin who heard this and that who had apparently wrote statements about this and that...which as we now know was all b*ll*x. My research confirms that the 1 geeza who had made a statement from the Habbin had to withdraw it as he said he heard u say 'you black B******' yet the case was built around you apparently saying 'you black c***!' Brian was irresponsible in proliferating such false rumour. His feed back to us all was in fact full of inaccuracies and really...propoganda. It also gives me no pleasure in recalling him arriving back after your hearing to our new Managers meeting to introduce Gary Brabin....to witness him on the phone for nearly an hour to our Club Secretary revelling in you being found guilty....bang out of order.....and i'm sorry...X
I am appalled at his behaviour and indeed as a 'fans' representative I believe he mis-represented our interests and certainly didn't represent me or many others by laughing in yours and Histons plight. I will take this issue up with him further...rest assured. Please take equal pleasure in knowing he will shortly be removed from his post representing decent fans very soon by popular demand. I will take great pleasure in having his ilk out of circulation in this football community. Even if you were banged to rights...it still ain't no laughing matter. He will not have the
last laugh...I reckon.
Ok...now the 'evidence'. Gareth ran the footage several times which clearly showed the fracas throughout. I will return to that in a second. As the hearing shows...it was only 1 person...Rob Wolleston...who said he heard you say 'you black c***'. The visuals clearly show him and you isolated from the rest having words. What I find incredible is the quality of the evidence available against you...his testimony being he said he thought it was your voice?!! He didn't see you say it but thought it was your voice even though he'd never seen or heard you before in his life as pointed out by your brief! You can see the point where he turns in your direction to say 'what did you say?'...but seeing as you didn't repeat it and the fact he is asking for clarification means he can't have been sure in the first place what you had said surely?!
Going back to the footage.....I have compared incidents where actual racist words are used...and without sound on them all...the pictures are amazingly revealing. Out of 4 bits of footage similar to your fracas from League and Non League games.....as soon as the abuse is said.....IT KICKS OFF BIG TIME...every time!!!!!
In the footage of your game...at the point Rob said he thought you said what you said....he has no reaction to it at all....and carries on with the game! I've seen players go screaming to the ref for a yellow /red card for tapping their ankle...yet Rob 'thinks' he heard your voice say 'you black c***' to Leo who was 20/30 yards away....and din't have any re-action whatsoever equal to anything i'd seen...why?
The answer Rob gave for not really re-acting was also puzzling. With 22 minutes of the game left and a further 21 minutes in the changing rooms before he tells Alan Lewer in a casual chat that that was said for him to then go to the ref and make a complaint.....and his answer to the time delay in reacting was dreadful really...."I wanted to get on with the game and then we were celebrating in the dressing room and Alan asked what happened and I told him...and we went to the ref as he insisted to make the complaint'.....that happened 43 minutes after he had heard you say a racist comment about his team mate? How the FA panel see that as 'normal' in these circumstances is incredible!
As Gareth says...football is based around probability...and the probability of you having said anything of the kind based on Robs visual and time frame reaction to it all is in your favour i'd say...! But then again...we've had the same our end. 3 fans were convicted against all odds at a Burton game....any solicitor would have been able to beat the prosecutions weight of evidence....but they didn't have one....so it was one way...sadly.
I have sincere sympathy with you and your re-action to the verdict. I would have been equally distraught. It does make me proud though to know of the support you got instantly from U's players. Considering the implications our end then it was no surprise that Rob left us not long after the verdict. How he went was naughty but him going was probably for the best. Having your good mates like Danny Brown and others sharing the dressing room with Rob can't have been easy for all.
The appeal was b*ll*x too. The simple fact you had nothing new to bring to the table except the same probability and single witness...and it wouldn't be reviewed again by a new panel who focused on the evidence as opposed to another stroppy brief....is harsh. Brick wall job.....and I completely understand that you must have felt you'd hit one at 100mph....I feel for you mate...X
So...this meeting. It was called so that Gareth and Fall could tell your fans that they intended to support your return if you would. After reviewing it all.....i'd have done the same...and any club should too. So be proud of the support you are recieiving...you fully deserve it.
It is a massive thing your club has done to choose to support you. Football fans can be the cruellest and prejudiced people in the land. The fact you wear a different coloured scarf means they swear and abuse you! You will get the abuse no question...because they can. It's not based on their understanding of things....they just want to have a go...and your an easy touch. But....just play your game....knowing your 'family' are around you. They are the folk who you spend your time with....they are the folk who believe and support you. They are all that count. You know your truth...and as far as the 'evidence' is concerned....I defy anyone except the FA to have come up with their same judgement in the manner they did.
I understand you have an option to clear your name by suing Rob personally in a civil action. I believe you would win. Whether you choose that route is your choice. It is expensive and no guarantee as you know. Personally...I would just move on.
Enjoy the support of your fans at the game today. I will be thinking of you whilst at Eastbournbe with the U's. I wish you every succes both on and off the field. I know you are in for some stick locally during our fixtures. So be it. However...you have many firends at City...and indeed you have my support at the U's. I will speak with key people to try and limit the damage. But if you decide to come back completely....these are the realities you are facing. You can do it...ive seen others come through it. I hope you go for it....X
Once again...I apologise for my clubs unhelpful and unprofessional approach to your dilemma. Our Chairman will be removed soon. It is about time as his lack of responsibility in this matter and unproffesionalism across the board in other issues has compromised many...too many...of which you and your club now are added to his list. I hope you don't hold any grudges against us U's in general.....although you have every right too...but hopefully you will see there are sensible folk around too...!x
Have a long and prosperous career Craig...X
LUV
SOOTY
X
....you score against us though and i'll personally run on the pitch and kick ure ar*e....X
...by the way...don't worry about me mate...nobody will call me a racist sympathiser or owt....i'm brown see!x
@@
~
...p.s...if you ever need to call for advice or just a friendly voice...your welcome...07710 805360.
