EVESHAM United boss Paul Collicutt was left “disappointed and disgusted” after sports therapist Ali Bulpitt suffered abuse during yesterday’s 0-0 draw at Salisbury.

Salisbury put out a statement this morning condemning “sexist and sexual abuse” directed towards Bulpitt during the match.

But Collicutt revealed the Robins had started looking into further allegations regarding comments made towards Bulpitt after the match as well as pledging the club’s unflinching support.

“Ali is a strong character who loves football. She has grown up with the game and more to the point is very good at what she does,” said Collicutt.

“Everyone at the club thinks the world of her. She is a part of my team and personally, I am disappointed and disgusted to hear about what went on. 

“People should not be able to put anyone in that position, particularly in this day in age and with what has happened in women’s football recently.

“I didn’t know a great deal about what had happened until this morning (Sunday) and from what I gather, the club will be responding officially to the statement released by Salisbury.

“The more concerning thing was that she was verbally abused after the game outside the changing rooms, again by supporters.

“Incidents of this nature are completely wrong and we will support Ali in any way we can. It was a small minority of small-minded people that did this. It is not right and has to be dealt with.”

Salisbury’s statement slammed the “distressing and offensive sexist and sexual abuse by a small section of Salisbury supporters”, stating “board members personally offered unreserved apologies” to Bulpitt and that bans would follow should “the case be proved”.

“Salisbury have done the right thing in dealing with it as swiftly as they have but it also means they must realise how bad it was,” Collicutt added.

“It is a high-profile club with a high-profile manager. There must have been people in the crowd that knew who shouted it.”

The Salisbury FC statement in full: SALISBURY Football Club were dismayed to learn that the female Evesham United physiotherapist was subjected to some distressing and offensive sexist and sexual verbal abuse by a small section of Salisbury FC supporters during the match between the two clubs at the Ray Mac on Saturday October 21st.

Salisbury board members personally offered unreserved apologies to the person concerned following the match when it was brought to their attention and offered to help should she wish to take the matter further.

We wish to make it clear that we are appalled by such comments and behaviour and will take strong action against perpetrators, including banning them from Salisbury FC, should we be made aware of any such abuse and the persons who committed it, and the case be proved.

The club’s stance is quite simple: football, both participating and spectating, is open to all creeds, colours, genders and personal persuasions and all are welcome at the Ray Mac – except for those who are unable themselves to abide by similar principles of respect and tolerance.

We have a large and largely magnificent group of supporters at Salisbury FC and we will not allow their reputation, and the club’s, to be sullied by a few bad apples.