Alleged racial abuse, directed at an opposition goalkeeper at Barrow’s Dunes Hotel Stadium, has been investigated but no charges have been brought.
Barrow’s chief executive Levi Gill has revealed the outcome of police and club probes into allegations raised after the game with Colchester.
He says: “One suspect was interviewed under caution but, ultimately, the conclusion of the police investigation was that there was insufficient evidence to progress the matter criminally.
“We were able to collect statements from stewards and consult the club’s CCTV footage, which was all very helpful to the investigation.
“Unfortunately, some of the anonymous information received was conflicting and, while CCTV footage shows clearly who is stood in a particular area of the ground, it can’t show ‘who said what’.
“Having discussed the findings of the investigation with Rickie Wallbank, our police liaison officer, the owners and I also felt that there wasn’t enough certainty around who was responsible for us to issue a ban and potentially penalise an innocent party.
“We have therefore been unable to take further action on this occasion.
“This should not, however, be taken as a sign that the Club condones this kind of behaviour or that we don’t believe that the abuse occurred.
“There has been debate among the fan base about whether the report was a result of players misunderstanding a fan song. I can assure everybody that, having heard the complaint and read some of the witness information, this is not what has happened.
“I’m convinced that the abuse occurred and, with the backing of the Club’s owners, will take the strongest possible action against anybody proven to be responsible either for this incident or any similar future cases.
“This behaviour is completely contrary to what this club stands for and cannot be tolerated in modern society.
“The club continues to ask for information relating to the incident against Colchester United and encourages fans to report any future incidents to a steward or club official.
“We will be handing out information cards at the point of entry to our next Saturday game, explaining to fans the best ways to report racist abuse in the future.”
The complaint of racist abuse came from behind the goal in the home end, directed towards Colchester keeper Shamal George, and was made by the visitors in the first half of their 3-2 victory in the League Two encounter, on September 10.
Referee Simon Mather temporarily halted the game after the abuse was reported and George went on to play his part in helping Colchester claim the win.
He wrote on Twitter afterwards: ‘This team What a big win that is +3 Hope the racists enjoyed that one.’
George, 23, who started his career with his native Liverpool played four games for Carlisle United in 2017 while on loan.
