DARLASTON Town has submitted formal complaints over “numerous incidents” of alleged “violence, racist and abusive comments” at Worcester Raiders last week.

The West Midlands (Regional) League (WMRL) Division One title tussle, which ended 1-1, was overshadowed by online claims from a Darlaston player that manager Andy Parkes had been punched, his assistant spat at and that he had heard “racism”.

Raiders assistant manager Chris Cornes responded by asking “what about all the damage to the dressing room and showers! Or shall we not talk about that?” followed by “what about when adult players grab a 14-year-old kid round the throat?”

READ MORE | Online allegations of racism and violence at Worcester Raiders v Darlaston Town (1874)

Neither club nor its officials had commented until today when Town issued a club statement.

It read: “Following our West Midlands (Regional) League Division One game against Worcester Raiders on Saturday 23 February, Darlaston Town (1874) FC has today submitted a formal complaint to the FA along with Birmingham and Worcestershire county FAs and the West Midlands (Regional) League.

“The complaint covers numerous incidents and events at last Saturday’s game including violence, racist and abusive comments made to/and against some of our players and club officials.

“Whilst the matter is under investigation by authorities neither the club, nor any officials or players, will be making any further comment.”

A post on the Raiders Twitter page appeared to acknowledge something had occurred, stating “we do not condone any of the behaviour from both clubs”.

It read: “With a lot of accusations flying around with regard to our game last Saturday versus Darlaston, we do not condone any of the behaviour from both clubs and will be reporting to relevant people and not be making any further comment at this time.”

Prior to the release of either club’s statement, a spokesperson said Worcestershire FA – the county association that would deal with disciplinary matters at WMRL Division One level – would “make suitable enquiries” into any information received or available in the public domain. It is their policy not to comment on specific investigations.

The county FA’s offices were closed at the time the club statements arrived.

A WMRL spokesperson confirmed Darlaston had been in touch to inform the league of their intention to report the matter to the Football Association.

Raiders chairman Kevin Jenkins declined to comment.

Raiders host Willenhall Town in the league tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).