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Ebbsfleet United winger Anthony Cook was racially abused like Dartford goalkeeper Jason Brown

00:00, 16 October 2014

Jason Brown. Picture: Keith Gillard
Jason Brown. Picture: Keith Gillard

Ebbsfleet winger Anthony Cook hopes the supporter who racially abused Jason Brown is found and punished – because the man who did the same to him got away with it.

Police have released CCTV images of the man who hurled racist insults at the Dartford goalkeeper during last week’s 1-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Brown’s story has been well-documented in the media and the 32-year-old wants the authorities to take swift action and not brush the incident under the carpet.

Those sentiments are echoed by Cook, who was on the receiving end of similar abuse during his time with Chelmsford City. During a game against Hayes & Yeading in 2013,

Cook went in goal following an injury to Stuart Searle and he was told to 'go back to Africa' by someone in the crowd.

"They had an investigation but nothing ever happened," Cook recalled.

"It was never really dealt with. Chelmsford’s chairman reported it to the FA and I heard that it was being dealt with but nothing was done.

"These things need to be eradicated. People should get punished if they say things like that. It was certainly a racist comment because I’m not even African.

Anthony Cook about to deliver a cross for Ebbsfleet against Basingstoke Picture: Andy Payton
Anthony Cook about to deliver a cross for Ebbsfleet against Basingstoke Picture: Andy Payton

"Some people are just ignorant – and it’s not just football. It’s in life, and I don’t think there’s any room for it."

Cook read Brown’s story and tweeted a message of support to the goalkeeper last Thursday.

He said: "This is more high profile (than my case). Jason’s done well to talk about it. I spoke about it but Jason’s played at a higher level.

"It has to be dealt with. It’s not something that can be pushed under the carpet."

Brown’s abuser was stood next to a steward at the Memorial Stadium but the Dartford man still admitted: "I won’t be holding my breath" with regard to the man being found and punished.

Sadly, Cook’s final comment on his ordeal reflects that sort of resignation.

"He said: "I didn’t think it would get dealt with – and it didn’t, so I wasn’t surprised.

"I hope it gets dealt with this time."

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