Crawley sack manager John Yems days after it emerged he was accused of enforcing racial segregation

Crawley Town have sacked manager John Yems, days after it was revealed he had been suspended following accusations of racially abusing players.

Sportsmail revealed last month that the FA had opened a probe into Yems’ conduct after a group of Crawley players reported his alleged use of offensive language to the PFA, with the League Two club suspending the 62-year-old the next day.

And earlier this week, Sportsmail reported that Yems allegedly called some players ‘suicide bomber’, ‘terrorist’ and ‘Zulu Warrior’.

Crawley Town have sacked John Yems days after it emerged he is being investigated for allegedly racially abusing his players

The full list of allegations include:

• Presiding over segregated changing facilities with two dressing rooms at the training ground which, although not official policy, was reinforced by comments to white players such as, ‘Don’t change in the black boys’ room’.

• Frequently referring to a number of the squad’s players from Asian backgrounds as ‘terrorists, suicide bombers and curry munchers’.

• Calling one youth-team player a ‘suicide bomber’ on a regular basis and telling him not to get the train home wearing a backpack because fellow passengers would think he intended to blow it up.

• Routinely using the n-word and referring to one black player as a ‘Zulu warrior’.

• Calling a young player of Cypriot extraction a ‘Greek bobble-head’ and mocking Greek music.

• Banishing two players with ethnic minority backgrounds from training with the first team without explanation.

• Causing such resentment in the squad that seven players complained to the PFA last month, with at least one seeking counselling as a result of the damage the manager did to his mental health.

Preston Johnson, co-chairman of Crawley said: ‘We’re looking forward to the next era.

‘We have an opportunity to build on more than 125 years of rich history and take this club to the next level. We’re eager to partner with our players and supporters as we build a team and community that Red Devils fans can continue to be proud of — both on and off the pitch.’

Crawley assistant manager, Lewis Young, 32, the younger brother of Ashley, the Aston Villa full back, is now taking the team, which has suffered three straight defeats since the accusations surfaced. 

They are 12th in League Two finish their season on Saturday at home against relegated Oldham.

The League Two club  suspended the 62-year-old shortly after the allegations emerged 

When the accusations against Yems emerged last month, Crawley said in a statement they had been ‘made aware of serious and credible accusations that first team manager John Yems used discriminatory language and behavior toward our players. 

‘We take these allegations seriously and, effective immediately, have suspended him indefinitely as we investigate and consider further punitive action.

‘Let us be clear: Crawley Town Football Club stands behind our players, employees and supporters, and we will never tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.’