Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses allegations of racism during 1-0 defeat against Ebbsfleet United and ready to appeal red card

Gozie Ugwu’s penalty was enough to separate the sides at Victoria Park in a match that was marred by allegations of racist and xenophobic abuse directed towards the Ebbsfleet players from the Pools supporters.

Their first home defeat since New Year’s Day sees Pools drop to 10th in the National League table.

Following the full-time whistle, Challinor was involved in a confrontation with Fleet player Ayo Obileye with both being sent off for violent conduct by referee Aaron Jackson.

When discussing the disappointing events at The Vic, Challinor said: “We lost a game of football 1-0.

“I heard nothing, it’s out of our control and it will be dealt with. We’re not sat here with three points which is my concern, other people will deal with the rest of it.

“Reports will be put in and that’s as far as it goes because it’s bigger than what I am. I’m the manager of the football club and I focus on that.

“Protocol was followed in terms of coming over to the fourth official around allegations that have been made. Post-game, we’ve spoken and had to witness what was written down in the statements.

“That’s not something I can get involved with. We’ve got to control what we can on a football pitch.”

On his red card, Challinor added: “The control over the game wasn’t great – I’ve spoken to the referee and he was open and honest which was refreshing.

“After 500 games as a professional and 500 games as a manager, that’s my first sending off. Has anything happened? No – it’s handbags, I’ve tried to solve a problem and their players were trying to antagonise a volatile situation.

“Then there’s a coming together with no great action, the linesman said he saw something and the referee reacted to that.

“I haven’t done anything and the player hasn’t done anything to me. He’ll appeal I’m sure and I’ll certainly be appealing.”