Ex-Crawley manager John Yems charged with making 16 racist comments by FA

Ex-Crawley Town manager John Yems has been charged by The FA with making 16 racist comments.

The 62-year-old is accused of making the comments in reference to either ethnic origin, race, nationality, religion, gender or colour between 2019 and 2022 – something which is in breach of FA Rule E3.2 – while at the same time he’s alleged to have discriminated against some Crawley players. The veteran former coach has until August 4 to provide a response to the charges.

In April, Yems was suspended by Crawley amid ‘serious and credible accusations’ that he used discriminatory language and behaviour towards his squad. Around two weeks later, Yems left the side, while the Football Association announced it was investigating the allegations against him. Yems has previously denied the allegations against him.

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Crawley have replaced Yems with former Arsenal youth team coach Kevin Betsy. Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) is conducting its own inquiry and providing support to those who had reported the racism.

"In any walk of life it takes courage for an employee to come forward with concerns about discrimination in their workplace," the PFA said in a statement. "It's a decision that will involve understandable anxieties regarding potential career impacts and longer-term employability.

"That's why it's crucial that the PFA is here to advocate for players and act as an independent source of support and advice on important matters such as this.

"Our message to any players who may have similar concerns, or who may be experiencing issues with discriminatory behaviour, is to speak to your union, either through your club's PFA delegate or directly with the PFA team."

Yems was appointed manager of Crawley after some time acting as a scout for several teams, such as Newcastle United. The side finished 12th in League Two last season on 61 points.

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