Hazel calls time on hate chants

Ian Hazel has announced that he will step aside for another manager at Carshalton Athletic after he was subjected to 'vile, obscene and personal abuse' during the 5-0 defeat at Lowestoft Town in the Ryman Premier.

Hazel, pictured, took over at Colston Avenue less than two weeks ago following the departure of Tommy Williams and has only presided over two games. He informed Robins Chairman Paul Dipre on Tuesday of his decision to step down after the trip to Margate on November 2 - or even sooner if a new manager is found.

The Robins are third-from-bottom of the Ryman Premier with just two wins from fourteen games and travel in the FA Trophy to Ryman North Burnham Ramblers on Saturday.

Hazel, who also heads Athletic's Academy, has been at the club for seven years. His spell has included four stints as caretaker manager but he insisted he had no choice but to walk away after what he describes as 'disgraceful' scenes at the weekend.

In a statement on the club's website, he said: "Having been a player, coach, manager and supporter of Carshalton Athletic, I have no choice after being asked to manage the first-team to step down after Saturday's disgraceful scenes.

"I will not stand there and listen to the abuse that was aimed at myself on Saturday. There was no need for it and it was vile, obscene and personal, and was not very nice - not only for myself but the staff and group of young players we have at the club."

"I do not believe anyone should be subjected to this and I certainly will not just sit there and take it. I will, however, stand in temporary charge for three weeks, to enable the club to find the right person to take the club forward."

The former Football League defender, now 45, added: "It is a big shame to have made this decision as I feel as an ex-professional footballer, ex-manager of six non-League clubs, ex-Premier League academy coach and UEFA 'A' licence coach, I am sure my experience and knowledge would have only benefited the club long-term."

Athletic's Chairman Paul Dipre backed Hazel's stance and said the club had launched an investigation into the abuse thrown at him by a minority of the club's travelling fans.

Dipre said: "The club has no choice but to accept his position and I have apologised to Ian on behalf of the club. The events of Saturday were unacceptable on every level. There was absolutely no reason for Ian to be the target of anything. He was committed to making a success of the first team and just wanted to get on with the job."

He added: "The club wish to stress that the allegations of abuse apply to two individuals, who have been named by on-looking Carshalton fans as those responsible for the alleged abuse. The club will be investigating the incident.

"Ian is, and will remain to be, an integral part of the club. I do hope for the next three games the fans can show him the overwhelming support he deserves and enjoys from every part of the club."

Image courtesy of www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk