Football team apologises for 'severely misjudged' decision to sign convicted domestic abuser

A football team has apologised for the “severely misjudged” decision to sign a convicted domestic abuser.

Selby Town FC intended to take on Reece Thompson but cancelled the deal after a club sponsor withdrew its support.

Thompson was convicted in April 2019 of assault and grievous bodily harm after attacking his girlfriend. He was jailed for three years and four months and given a restraining order lasting 10 years, and was released from prison early on licence.

In a statement on the club website, manager Christian Fox said Selby Town FC would like to offer "unreserved apologies" to Thompson's victim and her family.

He said that the potential signing of Thompson must have "dragged up horrible memories for individuals and families who suffer from domestic abuse".

Thompson joined Selby Town FC, who play in the 10th tier of English football as a member of the Northern Counties East League Division One, on trial in August.

The move prompted criticism from some fans at the time, but the club insisted that the footballer had "served his sentence" and deserved the opportunity to be signed.

However, the club has now backtracked after sponsor Reeds Rains announced that it would withdraw its support.

Mr Fox said the club should have realised its error after the first incident and "to think about it twice was extremely insensitive". He said the club would write a private apology to the victim.

His statement added: "I know words will never be enough but believe me when I say how sorry we are with the upset we have caused so many. We are not trying to make excuses or cover anything up.

"I hope once again Selby Town FC will be able to regain trust and rebuild its standing in the community."