Spalding United manager Pat Rayment alleges that he was punched in the face by a fan after Saturday’s 2-1 UCL Premier Division win at AFC Rushden and Diamonds.
The claimed assault happened as Rayment left the locker rooms following the Tulips’ dramatic victory over Diamonds, which saw Dan Cotton net a last-gasp winner at the Dog and Duck.
Spalding supremo Rayment has endured a stormy relationship with the Diamonds supporters over the past few months, but claims the attack was unprovoked.
He said: “One of their fans punched me in the face for no reason. It was totally unprovoked.
“It took me by surprise and I admit I did retaliate. I threw him to the ground and pinned him down but then people pulled me off him. There were plenty of witnesses to what happened.
“But I don’t what to take it any further. There were no police involved and I certainly don’t want to press charges. I’m big enough to take this sort of thing.
“I wasn’t hurt, although I have got a thick lip this morning, and all I ask is that Rushden and Diamonds sort their fans out.
“Some of them, although only a small minority, are idiots. They were chanting obscenities at me throughout the game and that needs to be addressed.”
Diamonds have issued the following statement following the incident: “Some of those fans who attended the AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Spalding United game on Saturday 5th April may have witnessed an alleged incident shortly after the conclusion of the game.
“The club is making a full investigation of this matter, and would ask that anyone with any information regarding it should get in touch in strict confidence at [email protected]”
It is also understood that the United Counties League have also opened an investigation into the matter.
