Barnet players threatened with sack after racism row against staff member

Barnet's entire squad is locked in an extraordinary row with the club over an allegation of racism.

The National League side's players went on strike after Saturday's defeat to Stockport and even refused to play in tonight's game at Southend before changing their minds when they were allegedly threatened with the sack.

The row centres on a claim that a member of the Bees backroom staff racially abused a Stockport player during Saturday's game.

County's Ryan Johnson is understood to have told the Barnet players he was called a "m".

Bees captain Jamie Turley subsequently asked his club to ensure the individual was not around the squad at training on Monday.

The Barnet staff member, however, arrived and was told by captain Jamie Turley that the players felt it was not appropriate for him to be around the squad.

The staff member complained and Turley was suspended.

The entire squad in turn reacted angrily and say they initially made it clear to the club's management team that they would not play in Tuesday night's game.

They insist they only changed their minds after being told in a meeting on Monday that some players contracts would be terminated if they followed through with their stance.

Barnet chairman Anthony Kleanthous said: "I have not spoken with the team at all and am not aware of any direct "termination" threat to the players.

"However, it is worth noting that the players are contracted under the standard FA playing contracts to participate in football matches, so I would assume that any threats not to play would be a breach of their contracts and would carry heavy sanctions from the National League."

The players - who remain united in their support for Turley and the team-mates threatened with the sack - have demanded further talks with Kleanthous and the club's senior management.

Kleanthous told Mirror Sport: "Jamie Turley has been suspended on full pay by HR at the Club following a separate internal complaint.

"This is standard staff disciplinary procedure and good practice to allow for the appropriate investigation to be carried out.

"To be clear, a suspension is not in and of itself a disciplinary action or a reflection of guilt, but rather allows the space for an investigation to be efficiently and thoroughly conducted without any third-party influence."

In relation to the racism allegation against the member of staff, Kleanthous claimed Police had concluded the staff member did not have a case to answer.

He added: "An investigation was carried out in full on the day of the alleged incident.

"This was conducted by the Safety Officer, who has overarching authority over these matters on match days, and in consultation with the attending Police present at the game.

"Witnesses were interviewed with statements taken and the matter was reported to the London Matchday Silver Commander in a debrief to MO6 HQ Football Unit in line with MPS Policy. The senior police officer at the scene confirms there was no allegation or substance for a criminal investigation to take place.

"The Club is currently conducting further investigations to ensure a comprehensive review of the matter and to provide it's observations to The FA.

"Finally, I hope it is understood that Barnet Football Club takes its social responsibilities very seriously and will always act with full integrity when investigating any matter. The Club will not tolerate racism or any other form of abuse and will act swiftly and robustly to deal with any such behaviour."