Tamworth striker Chris Wreh was unavailable for Tuesday’s Birmingham Senior Cup match against Boldmere St Michaels because he disapproved of his club’s limited response to the racial abuse he suffered following their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Wreh was a second-half substitute for Tamworth’s non-league against the Premier League side, playing the rest of the match as the Lambs took Spurs to 30 minutes of extra time before losing. After the match, the New York-born player shared screenshots of the racist abuse he received on social media from a Tamworth fan who was upset at the defeat.
He received support from fans and manager Andy Peaks, and the incident was also reported to local police. However, in a statement issued on social media on Tuesday, Wreh said he was “disappointed” the club did not make a public statement and that a Tamworth official hoped to “keep the matter internal”.
“Incidents like this highlight the ongoing problem of racism,” Wreh wrote on social media. “It is shameful for someone to be racially abused simply because they lost a bet, but sadly this happens all too often. While I have the utmost respect for my coach, who has supported me throughout this whole matter, I am disappointed that the club has not yet has publicly supported it, which has left me confused and disappointed. At no point was I asked if I was okay, but rather informed that the silence was due to a desire to keep the matter internal that I cannot agree with or tolerate. this approach. ‘internally’, is never I hope everyone understands my reasons for speaking out.”
Tamworth issued a statement Wednesday in support of Wreh, adding that they are cooperating with authorities.
“Club officials continue to be in contact with our dedicated football officer and other law enforcement partners to assist them with their initial investigations,” they said in a statement issued on social media. “On behalf of the club, first team coach Andy Peaks has been and continues to be in communication with Chris throughout this deplorable racial publication which has been acknowledged by Chris. We will continue to support Chris with the extensive work that is being done. taking place behind the scenes to bring the person responsible to justice.”
Wreh has been with Tamworth, who are 16th in the National League, since 2023.
