'Speak up and stand up' to racism! Football coach Allan Ross encourages victims to speak out against abuse following his own personal experiences

Victims of racism are being encouraged to 'stand up and speak up' in a bid to help stamp out abuse.

For years Allan Ross, a local businessman and well-known football coach, said he let comments go to avoid 'awkward conversations'.

But the 38-year-old reached tipping point last Saturday when he was allegedly called a 'w*g' while watching former club Pinchbeck United host Lutterworth Town in a UCL Premier fixture.

Angered by his experience Ross - the current Horncastle Town joint manager, who has also had spells in the dug-out with Sleaford Town and the Knights, as well as featuring for the Boston United academy as a youngster - uploaded a video to Twitter, documenting his experience.

"For too long I just put up with it, but with the response from the videos, I realised I shouldn't have to put up with it," said Ross, who admitted he felt 'emotional' from the outpouring of support he received.

"It tipped me over the edge and now I feel a responsibility to make people aware it does go on.

"Hopefully, I can trigger something that will allow the FA, local councils to put something in place to put all races in a safe environment where they know they can speak out and have full backing and support.

"Now I know it's the right thing to do to stand up and speak up. I've had incidents in the past where I've just decided not to say anything because I know it's a subject people don't want to address.

"Right now I hear the comments saying Black Lives Matter has got out of control and you just think 'I'm not saying anything, it stops awkward conversations with people'. However, that doesn't help the situation long term."

Pinchbeck have since issued a statement to announce the supporter has been banned from attending matches, while Lincolnshire Police say their investigation into the matter is 'ongoing'.

Ross hopes his experiences can now encourage others to speak out, after positive discussions with Kick It Out, football's equality and inclusion organisation.

He added: "This is where I feel I can maybe open more doors for people to speak up.

"I felt that Kick It Out was a tick-box organisation. Monday morning I'm getting a direct phone call from (head of development) Troy Townsend.

"He's calling me to say we're real people, we've been through the same circumstances and events and we want to support you.

"Kick It Out have been superb with me and we need to make people aware in more rural areas of the country that you can report racism. You don't have to go it alone.

"Young people who come up against racism don't always feel that have that support which makes them feel they don't have a path in life."

Despite his negative experiences in the game, Ross still believes that football can be a force for good.

He cites Boston United director Chris Cook, a former Pilgrims player and manager and his one-time coach in the academy, as an example.

"Chris Cook gave me an opportunity through football," he said.

"I was never going to become a superstar. He probably knew that, but he taught me manners and that you can be successful if you have the courage and confidence.

"Hence why I'm a coach and I feel I have the responsibility as a coach to try to show people that life can be good and there are fantastic people out there. There are trigger points in your life that make a difference.

"My biggest successes haven't been silverware, but seeing young footballers turn into good men, on and off the field. You've got to recycle the cycle.

"Football is a fantastic sport and it brings people together."

Horncastle Town, Ross' current club, play in the Lincolnshire League.

League chairman and Wongers president Julian Rinfret said: "The Lincs league does not condone or tolerate racism and we would be horrified if a situation like this was to occur at one of our matches.

"We aim to provide and environment where everyone can enjoy their football and be treated with respect."