Two players released from Blackstones Football Club after theft during Saturday's game
Two players have been released from Blackstones Football Club after cash was stolen from the visiting side's dressing room during Saturday's game.
Following Saturday's game in which the Lincoln Road club won 3-2 against visiting Leicester side Aylestone Park, the club was made aware of the theft.
In a statement issued by Blackstones chairman Gary Peace and the committee, the club said: "Following a very good game versus Aylestone Park at Blackstones Football Club we were made aware that a substantial amount of money had gone missing from the away dressing room.
"Luckily we have CCTV outside the changing rooms and it was clear who the culprits were. The two culprits were found to be Blackstones players who have bought shame on our club.
"I can confirm all the money taken was returned before the police arrived.
"I would like to thank Aylestone Park for allowing us the time to sort out this shameful incident. Players/officials/management were very understanding and patient.
"The two players have been removed from our club and will not be welcome at any time in the future.
"Once again we at Blackstones apologise to Aylestone Park, the FA and the UCL for this shameful incident involving two of our players."
Joint first team manager Lee Clarke said he was in "disbelief" at the incident and was "embarrassed" the incident involved the club's own players.
He added: "Although embarrassed by the behaviour of the two individuals involved I can honestly say I’m very proud of how the club as a whole dealt with the situation. Everything was done quickly to make sure that the incident was resolved. The behaviour of the rest of our squad was exemplary and it was unanimous in our changing room that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated at our club. The players in question have been released with immediate effect and will not be welcome back at Blackstones.
"I would like to publicly apologise to everyone at Aylestone Park who I must say dealt with it in a very respectable and mature manner. I wouldn’t have blamed them for knocking our door down and trying to get to the bottom of it themselves. I wish everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season."
Stamford policing inspector Ian Martin confirmed police had been called following an allegation that a player had stolen cash from the opposing team’s changing room.
He added: "An officer attended and dealt with the situation appropriately through community resolution. This resulted in the offending player returning the cash and facing severe sanctions from the club."
Police confirmed that no arrests took place.
