Burnham 'dismayed' after FA fails to prove racism claim

Photo credit: Paul Butler

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Burnham has released a statement saying it’s ‘dismayed’ the Football Association (FA) failed to prove its claim of racism against a former Windsor & Eton player.

Burnham reported the incident to the FA immediately after their clash with Windsor & Eton at Stag Meadow on August 23, claiming Pawel Kowalkowski had used a racist slur against one of their players.

Kowalkowski has since left the club.

Both clubs released statements at the time saying they condemned racism in the strongest possible terms and helped the FA with its independent investigation. Windsor & Eton also provided video footage from the game for the investigation.

However, on Monday last week, the FA confirmed it had not been able to prove a racist term had been used by the player.

Burnham have been told they can’t appeal the decision and feel the FA’s verdict could have the unintended outcome of ‘deterring victims and witnesses from coming forward’ when such incidents occur.

The club’s statement, released yesterday (Wednesday) read: “Burnham Football Club is deeply disappointed by the recent decision of The Football Association’s Disciplinary Commission to find the allegation of racist abuse arising during our fixture on 23rd August 2025 as “not proven.”

“The Club, our players, and our supporters have been united in condemning all forms of racism and discrimination, and we have cooperated fully with the FA’s investigation throughout.

“We are dismayed that despite what all at the Club considered to be material evidence confirming the allegation, the charge was not upheld.

“We recognise and respect the FA’s disciplinary processes and the work undertaken to address racism in football.

“However, given the circumstances of this particular matter the outcome does not feel consistent with the FA’s publicly stated commitment to “Kick It Out” and to eradicating racism from football.

“We are seriously worried it risks sending a message to players and communities that even with real evidence it may not result in accountability, and that victims of racial abuse may not feel fully supported by the system intended to protect them.

“We are further concerned that there is no right of appeal for a complainant club or player in such serious matters.

“In our view, this potentially undermines confidence in the disciplinary process and risks deterring victims and witnesses from coming forward, potentially emboldening those who engage in racist behaviour.

“We can confirm that the club has written formally to the FA seeking a fuller explanation of the evidential basis for this decision and confirmation that the FA will review the matter in light of its seriousness and the importance of maintaining confidence in the integrity of the disciplinary system.

“Burnham Football Club remains absolutely committed to standing against racism in all its forms — on and off the pitch. We will continue to support our player, and to advocate for fairness, transparency, and equality throughout the game.

Windsor & Eton also released a statement last week following the FA’s verdict. It read: Windsor & Eton Football Club can confirm that the Football Association has now concluded its independent investigation into allegations of racism against our former player, Pawel Kowalkowski.

“The outcome of the investigation has returned a verdict of “not proven.”

“From the outset, we made clear our commitment to transparency and to allow the independent process to run its course. We have respected that process fully and we thank all those who contributed to it.

“While Pawel is no longer a player at Windsor & Eton FC, it is important to reaffirm our position clearly: there is absolutely no room for racism in football, at our club, or in the community.”

An FA Spokesperson said: “All allegations of discrimination are treated with the utmost seriousness and are fully investigated.

“In this case, an independent National Serious Case Panel found the charge to be not proven following a thorough review of the evidence and a formal hearing.”