For 2nd time this season, P.E.I. Soccer says it can't substantiate allegations of on-field racism

For the second time this season, the governing body for amateursoccer in P.E.I. says it was unable to substantiate claims that a racial slur was directed by an under-18 player toward an opponent.

However following its latest investigation, the Prince Edward Island Soccer Association said it is satisfied that both teams involved "demonstrated a lack of respect for each other and the game in general."

Therefore, the association's disciplinary committee has ordered players and staff from both the Winsloe Charlottetown Royals and RC United under-18 premier teams to take a course on respect in sport. Any who fail to do so will find themselves ineligible to participate in league competition, although the association has yet to set a date for when that restriction would come into effect.

This was the second investigation this season involving allegations of racism from the Winsloe under-18 team versus the same opposing team.

After the first alleged incident officials said they were unable to find any witness who heard what had been said.

The second allegation arose at the end of another game weeks later between the same two teams, on June 15.

Winsloe coach Nelson Edomobisaid he was unhappy with the association's latest ruling, saying it sent the wrong message to players.

"It makes me sad. It makes me really angry as well," Edomobi said.

Multiple kids heard the 'N-word,' coach says

He said the association chalked up the first incident as a case of "he-said, he-said."But with the second incident,the coachsaid multiple players from the Winsloe team heard the slur and two of them came forward to be part of the investigation.

"A group of kids heard a boy call a player on my team the N-word," Edomobi said.

"People don't usually speak up when things like this happen. And then the few that do speak up are scrutinized. That's exactly what these boys are going to feel. They spoke up against this and nothing was done.... They don't have any belief in the system anymore."

Edomobi said rather than dealing with the issue, the association's ruling would lead to more tension and more problems.

He said he would speak with the assocation, but would also stand by his players if they decide they don't want to take the online course. He also said he doesn't thinkhis team wants to play any more games against RC United.

Officials with the P.E.I. Soccer Association said they would not be commenting on the decision, or Edomobi's concerns, and that both teams have10 days to file an appeal.

A spokesperson for the Winsloe Charlottetown Royals said the ruling was being reviewed by the team's board of directors.

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