Boston keeper Nathan Abbey is one of a number of black players to have complained about racial chants being aimed at him in recent weeks. England's black players experienced it in Spain, Dwight Yorke has been subjected to similar abuse in the Premiership and now Nathan has spoken of the problem rearing its ugly head once more in the lower divisions. Lawrie Madden is the man with the questions.
Q:WHAT WAS THE EXTENT OF THE RACIAL ABUSE?
A:Last week I went back to Chesterfield, my former club, and expected a bit of stick but there were ten or so fans making monkey noises. Thankfully, the police and stewards put barriers up and went into the crowd. I know some Boston fans complained.
Q:AND THERE WAS ANOTHER INCIDENT THIS WEEKEND, I UNDERSTAND?
A:At Rochdale there was one fan who was making monkey noises and that was witnessed by a steward. I told the steward about it and felt that nothing was done and that I was palmed off. At half time the referee asked me about it and said that he would put it in his report. I know that the club has also made a complaint.
Q:HAVE THE LATEST OUTBREAKS OF RACISM SURPRISED GIVEN ALL THE HARD WORK WHICH HAS BEEN DONE TO ERADICATE THE PROBLEM?
A:For it to happen to me twice in two weeks was a surprise because I have not had it before. This was the first time. What surprised me at Rochdale was that it was witnessed by someone who could have taken action but didn't. It surprised me in the light of all the campaigns that have been going on in recent times and all the publicity after the England game in Madrid.
Q:WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DONE?
A:I think that stewards should do something but also people who are next to them in the stands and hear it should do something and report it. It's not nice to be subjected to such abuse, but you you cope with it. You have to stay focused on the game and if I made a mistake because of the actions of some fans I don't think my manager would be too pleased.
Q:IT HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL SEASON SO FAR AT BOSTON IN A VARIETY OF WAYS?
A:Yes, we had Gazza at the club for a time and he did a very good job and built up a lot of confidence in the lads. I think part of our success so far this season is down too him.
Q:WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS DIVISION?
A:It's very tight. A couple of wins back-to-back can make a big difference. We had a couple of wins and that put us in the play-offs where I feel we should be. We have played decent football at times and we've also played direct football as well depending on the opposition. The key in this division is consistency.
Q:WHICH TEAMS HAVE CAUGHT YOUR EYE THIS SEASON SO FAR?
A:Yeovil. They are a brilliant footballing side. It will be interesting to see if they can get out of this division playing the way they do. They are good at home, a bit like us. We are unbeaten at home and if we can get some results away from home we will be there or thereabouts.
