Barnet condemn racist abuse of Isiah Noel-Williams after Oldham draw

Barnet have condemned racist abuse directed at midfielder Isiah Noel-Williams on Instagram after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic at The Hive. BBC Sport reported that the League Two club publicly backed the player after he was targeted following a match in which he was sent off.

According to the BBC, Barnet posted a screenshot on X showing a racist image sent in response to a post on Noel-Williams' Instagram account. The club's statement offered the midfielder its full support and rejected racism in football, on social media and in wider society. Noel-Williams, 23, joined from Hemel Hempstead Town during the summer.

Barnet's own match report confirmed that Noel-Williams, who had entered as a substitute, was dismissed in the 70th minute for a foul on Jamie Robson. Kabongo Tshimanga had put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Mike Fondop headed in Oliver Norburn's cross to earn Oldham a point. The BBC placed the equaliser in the 94th minute.

The abuse followed a fixture Barnet had already designated as its matchday supporting the EFL's Together Against Racism campaign. In an announcement published before the game, the club said the initiative runs from October 16 to 26 and brings together all 72 EFL clubs. Its stated purpose includes challenging discrimination online as well as inside football grounds and local communities.

That earlier announcement encouraged supporters to report racism directly to clubs when it occurs. Citing EFL figures from the previous season, Barnet said 63% of live incidents reported directly to clubs led to an individual being identified and action taken. The club also said almost nine out of 10 successful identifications followed reports made directly to clubs on matchday.

Barnet's campaign notice lists its reporting channels, including an email address and an online route, for people reporting racism or discrimination. It explains that prompt reports help clubs, stewards and authorities gather evidence and respond more quickly. Those arrangements were publicised before the Oldham fixture; the subsequent statement reported by the BBC focused on condemning the abuse and supporting Noel-Williams.