Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End issue a statement on the alleged racist abuse directed towards a player before the game.
Preston reported racial abuse directed at one of their players during the pre-match warm-up of Saturday’s pre-season friendly.
Bolton swiftly removed the identified perpetrator and condemned the behaviour, with both clubs are cooperating with Greater Manchester Police and supporting the affected player.
Bolton have also urged witnesses to report details confidentially and vows to impose strong sanctions on those responsible, aiming to eradicate discrimination from football.
Footage of the players going over to the home end #pnefc pic.twitter.com/oxcdCjCBTU
— Ethan Farrington (@farrington89996) July 26, 2025
We were made aware prior to today’s game of racial abuse directed at one of our players during the pre-match warm-up.
The club are grateful to Bolton Wanderers for taking swift action to remove the individual who was identified as the perpetrator of this abuse.
We will totally… pic.twitter.com/YnqSTNlZVk
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) July 26, 2025
PRESTON STATEMENT:
Preston North End Football Club were made aware prior to today’s game at Bolton Wanderers of racial abuse directed at one of our players during the pre-match warm-up.
The club are grateful to Bolton Wanderers for taking swift action to remove the individual who was identified as the perpetrator of this abuse.
We will totally support our player in both looking after his welfare and with whatever the next steps are with the appropriate authorities including Greater Manchester Police.
BOLTON STATEMENT:
Bolton Wanderers Football Club unequivocally condemns the alleged racist abuse directed towards a Preston North End player during the warm-up at today’s game.
We extend our full support to the affected player. Such behaviour has no place in football or society; it stands in direct opposition to the values of respect and inclusion our club upholds.
We can confirm that the individual was removed from the Toughsheet Community Stadium following the report prior to kick-off, with the club committed to supporting any resulting investigation whilst cooperating fully with Preston North End and all relevant authorities, including Greater Manchester Police.
Individuals found responsible for this abhorrent conduct will face the strongest possible sanctions.
We urge any supporters who witnessed the events to contact us confidentially via One Wanderers. You can do this by texting 07542850902 or emailing safeguarding@bwfc.co.uk.
We are committed to eradicating discrimination from our sport.
The game itself saw Bolton win thanks to two quick-fire goals inside the last 20 minutes from Amario Cozier-Duberry and Joel Randall.
“You’re not singing anymore…” could be heard, with Preston fans getting wound up, providing entertainment for those watching on. check out the video below.
Bolton boss Steven Schumacher said on the game: “I think the lads have applied themselves brilliantly over the last six weeks,” said Schumacher. “We spoke from day one about putting in a real good shift as a team to get better, to defend as a unit and be a bit more organised and value the importance of defending.
“So, from that point of view, we’ve been good. We conceded two goals at Shrewsbury, which we were disappointed with, and we’ve managed to keep another clean sheet today against a really good championship team.
“I’m glad that the stuff that doesn’t matter is over and we’re ready to go into the season. We’re happy physically with what the players have done and we’re happy that tactically we look oaky.
“We’ve seen good signs from some of the new recruits that we’ve brought in. I thought Amario (Cozier-Duberry) and Thierry (Gale) were excellent today. Thierry was only on the pitch a couple of minutes and set the two goals up and I’m really pleased with Joel Randell getting a goal in a position we spoke about yesterday.
“We obviously know that we’re still short on a couple of players, so we’ll try desperately hard over the weekend to get that resolved and make our squad as strong as we can for Sunday.
“The intensity’s going to be higher, there’s obviously points at stake and we can’t wait for it. As pre-seasons go, we’re pleased. We can’t get carried away, though. We gave up two big chances today, so there’s still something for us to work on and be tighter with.
“But we get ready to go on Sunday. It’s a great start for us against a local rival who did really well last year, so we have to make sure that we prepare as best as we can for it.”
— BWFC Nathan 92′ (I’m… not seeing Oasis😓) (@BWFCNathan16) July 26, 2025
Losing your head over a friendly… A short story by this guy.@OfficialBWFC #bwfc #Preston #pnefc #losttheplot pic.twitter.com/mNLPGMKJyQ
— ivan jääskeläinen (@ficcypulpbwfc) July 26, 2025
Preston’s Paul Heckingbottom said: “There’s bits of it I am bothered about, which I told the players, but we know we’re affecting the performance with how hard we’re training, so that’s irrelevant.
“I want to see the players work their socks off and work as hard as they can and we’ll get the maximum benefits out of it so that’s good.
“In terms of taking information on board, that’s the bit that, regardless of how tired you are, you’ve got to do that. That’s what we were poor at today. But I can’t fault the players in these first four weeks, how hard they’ve been working.”
Fans gave their reaction after Bolton and Preston issue a statement on the alleged racist abuse directed towards a player…
@Neilturner83: Pretty embarrassed about this whole thing really. Fortunately the first time in probably 30 years we’ve had an incident like this. And I hope we don’t again.
@valderee53: Unacceptable and incomprehensible. Players from all over the world have represented Bolton Wanderers with great honour. Good to see BWFC acting on this and reminding supporters.
@Jack_BWFC2021: Disgrace this absolute no need for it anytime anywhere especially at a friendly kick about
@pnefc33: A fantastic response to the incident bolton. One prick does not define your whole club and fan base. Remember that. Good luck for the season.
@Ruddick5Robert: It’s 2025 for god sake, wtf is wrong with people.
@Sambwfc4922: Whoever it is, is a scum bag. We have diversity within our own squad you absolute crettin. Get out of this club
@fanpne: Seen a few comments from our fans going over the top. 1 racist doesn’t define a fanbase and Bolton actually dealt with the situation properly. I suspect that lad won’t step foot in the ground for a very long time #bwfc #pnefc
@AndyJSykes: Imagine going to a football match and potentially ruining your life because someone has different coloured skin to your own. Are people really that thick?
