A FOOTBALL club has distanced itself from the growing political storm over a razor blade vandal attack on its pitch.

Nelson FC officials were dismayed at local Labour councillor Roger Abbiss's comments criticising the Racial Equality Council's "bad example" after visiting the club's vandal-hit Victoria Park ground.

Coun Abbiss spoke out after seeing anti-white slogans daubed in paint around the ground.

Club officials believe the pitch was "booby-trapped" with blades, nails, screws and glass scattered across the grass at the same time.

Coun Abbiss accused the Burnley and Pendle REC of voting off all non-Asians from its committee and said it was setting a bad example to others.

But today club chairman Ken Broom said the club wanted to dissociate itself from Coun Abbiss's comments and said: "We don't want to be used for political point scoring."

He added: "Nelson Football Club has no connection with any political party, racial or religious group. The club is open to all sections of the community and has no wish to become involved in political in-fighting between any groups or individuals.

"There are more important issues at stake here than political point scoring, not least of which is the great divide between Pendle's communities."

He said neither he nor the directors were aware that Coun Abbiss had made any visit on which to base comments which could inflame a very serious situation.

He said: "The past week's events and the cost involved could have a lasting financial impact on the club and threaten its very existence, and while we appreciate any help councillors or any other member of the community can give, we do not wish to become a vehicle for those who want to jump on the bandwagon to further personal crusades or spread political propaganda."

A meeting between club officials, REC members, the police and Asian youth organisations is to be held at the REC's offices in Nelson tomorrow to discuss the incident.

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