Non-league club praised for ‘classy’ gesture after forcing match to be postponed by forgetting their KIT
A NON-LEAGUE club have been praised for their classy response to forgetting their kit.
Tooting Bec’s FA Vase first qualifying round clash with Newhaven on Monday had to be postponed as a result.
The London-based side play in the Southern Counties East League Division One, the 10th tier of English football.
Newhaven’s visit was called off due to Tooting Bec forgetting their kit, with the club releasing a statement after the decision.
Chairman Steffan Wells apologised to supporters and the opposition for the mistake in a classy message.
He also asked the FA to advance Newhaven to the next round of the FA Vase as well as confirming all fans who attended had been refunded.
Fans also praised the club for urging supporters to donate to a Go Fund Me highlighted by the non-league community for a young girl facing life-changing injuries.
The statement read: “Firstly, we would like to thank Newhaven FC’s committee, management and fans for their support and understanding under unusual circumstances.
“As reported, due to a miscommunication, we arrived at the ground today without our playing kit. It was a monumental error, and we are embarrassed that it ultimately led to the match referee deciding to not allow a later kick off to get the game played.
“Just as a short explanation, we groundshare a distance from Tooting, which is where the kit was situated. Ultimately, there wasn’t time for a round trip to collect it, even though we tried a number of options. Unfortunately, the kit still hadn’t arrived within the allowed delayed kick off time of 15.30 so the game was ultimately called off.
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“We’d like to apologise again to all those who attended today and gave up their time on a Bank Holiday weekend. I personally refunded all spectators as far as I’m aware, but if anyone did not get their refund they can contact us at info@tootingbecfc.com.
“We also feel that Newhaven FC, who acted with class throughout, should advance to the next round. Therefore, we have suggested this to the FA and Newhaven FC this evening. We will also take care of all costs of the fixture. We wish Newhaven all the best for the remainder of the competition.
“We are an amateur club, we rely on volunteers, and as such would ask people to think before attacking individuals and those that run our social media accounts that give up their time to run the team and club. Everyone at the club has my full support and as embarrassed as we feel today, we will always pride ourselves on our hospitality, sportsmanship and organisation. We will put measures in place, as a club, to make sure a mistake on this scale cannot happen again.
“Finally, social media can quickly spread a story, so thank you for all your ‘feedback’. If you’re reading this, we would like to use this opportunity to share a worthy cause that has been highlighted by the non-league community lately…”
Reacting to the gesture on social media, one fan wrote: “Classy as always.”
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Another added: “Classy from you.”
A third supporter also commented: “Perfect statement.”
Meanwhile, fellow non-league outfit Horsham YMCA said: “Extremely classy statement chaps. Hopefully it won’t impact you as a club too drastically.”
Tooting Bec are next in league action at home to Elmstead on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Newhaven will appear in the FA Vase second qualifying round next month after being awarded a walkover victory.