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Salford City have released a statement expressing their disappointment at North Yorkshire Police after a man was not charged with racist abuse following an alleged incident in a pre-season friendly with York City back in July.

The game between the Ammies and York of the National League at the LNER Community Stadium was abandoned in the 85th minute after the incident, which was directed at Adebola Oluwo. A 23-year-old man from York was subsequently arrested, though a police investigation into the matter concluded there was no hate crime last week.

In response, the League Two outfit announced their plans to request an independent review on Wednesday afternoon, saying: "Salford City Football Club is extremely disappointed with the findings of the investigation by North Yorkshire Police, and the subsequent decision not to charge the individual responsible for the racist abuse aimed at Adebola Oluwo.

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"It is particularly concerning how the investigation concludes that there is no evidence to corroborate the report of abuse, despite a number of first-hand accounts of the abuse from those present at the fixture. This includes from the match officials who we know, through discussions with the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), gave verbal statements on the night and provided their details for the investigating team to follow up, but have not been contacted.

"Having spoken with Adebola and sought further advice on the matter, including legal, we will be exercising the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme to request an independent review to reconsider this outcome."

North Yorkshire Police released a statement on Friday saying that there was "no evidence to corroborate the report which was made" following the incident in July.

"As part of our investigation, we have worked with the person reporting, both clubs, and fans to gather evidence," their statement read. "Based on these findings, our officers are satisfied that no offences have occurred. The victim, who raised the concerns has received an update from North Yorkshire Police.

"Hate Crime has no place within football, and it will not be tolerated. Nobody should be subject to any form of abuse. We will continue to work closely with York City Football Club to take a zero-tolerance approach, ensuring that any incident is fully investigated."

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