Former Crawley Manager Responds Defiantly to Criticism

John Yems, the former Crawley Town manager, has called for an apology after receiving a ban from football until June 2024 for multiple breaches of racism rules. The 63-year-old expressed his frustration in a recent interview, asserting that he has been unfairly treated despite an FA panel ruling that he is “not a conscious racist.”

Yems, who admitted to one charge but was found guilty of 11 others concerning comments related to ethnicity, race, and gender between 2019 and 2022, responded defiantly to the backlash he has faced. “People are going to say what they want, but I wasn’t found to be racist, and I never used racist language with intent,” he stated during an interview with Talksport.

He further contended, “If anybody needs an apology, I think I do. The abuse I’ve received has been overwhelming, and few have had the courtesy to ask me about the case.” Yems believes that many have not approached the situation with an open mind, suggesting that there are others who should be apologising to him.

When asked if he accepted any wrongdoing regarding his language, Yems firmly replied, “No.” He acknowledged that he has learned which expressions are unacceptable, but maintained that his comments were not intended to be offensive. “I haven’t purposely gone out there to insult anyone based on skin colour,” he explained.

The Football Association is currently considering a legal challenge against the panel’s findings, which have been condemned by the anti-discrimination group Kick It Out as “a slap in the face” for victims of racism.

Yems downplayed the severity of his offences, stating, “It’s not a court of law. I haven’t broken any laws; it’s the FA rules. It’s like getting thrown out of one pub and then being allowed into another.”

In an unusual move regarding a manager from an EFL club, the Premier League has expressed its agreement with the FA’s concerns about the panel’s conclusions when approached for comment.