Good afternoon.

I’d like to address a very sensitive subject affecting society as a whole, but in my role as Chairman of the Leyton Orient Football Club, I will limit my comments to the context of football and more particularly to our Club. As you know, football is very important to me and I am sure it is to you, but the way that we conduct ourselves is even more important and racism is something that is abhorrent and will never be tolerated. I despise racism, and I want all our fans to know that Leyton Orient will not tolerate it in any shape or form. Every individual, regardless of race, nationality, ethnicity, creed, or sexual orientation is entitled to respect and dignity for whom they are as a person. Leyton Orient is proud of its genuine mix of backgrounds all working toward a common cause.

I want everyone to be crystal clear that if the Club learns of any purported incidents of racial behavior, either in word or in deed, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and that anyone found guilty of such conduct will be banned for life from Leyton Orient.

Please take this as a strong warning. There will be no exceptions, regardless of the individual’s position or history with the Club.

Racism is a curse on our society and we at Leyton Orient will do everything we can to help eradicate it as fast as possible.

Nigel Travis

Chairman