Norwich United’s first team players have been on strike since making the allegations last week, with the club’s manager Darryl Tate claiming he had been punched in the head twice.
In their last match against Heacham, it is thought the club fielded its under-18s team, losing 4-0, with first team goalkeeper and captain Ross Bilham taking social media to say it was “soul-destroying” to see the team lose in that manor.
The row started when striker Matt Blake claimed he had to dodge punches from a club official following the Planters’ game against Mulbarton Wanderers on Saturday, while he and Mr Bilham, claimed the dressing room was being secretly filmed.
Right, no jokes, no banter!
Last night was the biggest disgrace I have ever witnessed as my time as a player..
I have had to endure a constant bombardment of backstabbing, ruthless behaviour since meeting the manager on my return to norwich united, a lot has gone on and…
— Matt The Steak Blake (@steakbakeblake) September 1, 2023
A number of other allegations have been made relating to verbal abuse.
Since then more players have spoken out against the club’s hierarchy claiming they are not being paid and saying they have been ignored by a prominent football charity.
Now, Norfolk FA says it is aware of the situation at the club and has launched an investigation.
A Norfolk FA spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the allegations that have been circulated on social media and were contacted earlier this week regarding the ongoing situation.
“We are now in the process of gathering evidence as part of an investigation regarding conduct within the football club.
“We will be providing no further comment at this stage.”
Following the FA announcement, Norwich United manager Darryl Tate released another statement, which cannot be reproduced here for legal reasons, claiming he had been put in hospital and confirming he would continue in his role.
He said he would be taking legal action and “leaving social media for good”.
Mr Bilham confirmed first team players had made themselves available for the reserves in a statement on Twitter yesterday, adding that he was eight weeks late on payment from Norwich United.
Norwich Dis-United – Claims of death threats and secret filming at football club https://t.co/7IicLDNPm0
Now this is finally out in the open it’s only right that players have their say. This has been nothing but a nightmare since my first week at the club. Continues ⬇️
— Ross Bilham (@rbnumber1) September 5, 2023
He said: “The club are refusing to take action and in turn threatening not to pay players.
“I personally am 8 days late on my contracted amount and have a young family at home to provide for.
“We have to stand up for what’s right here before it’s too late and the club falls apart.”
The war of words even saw the club’s tea hut rush out an official statement which was quickly retracted.
When contacted by this newspaper earlier this week, a Norwich United spokeswoman said it would be discussing the issue in due course.
Norfolk police say none of the incidents at the football club have been reported to them and said they are not currently investigating.
Norwich United will face Thetford Town at Plantation Park on Saturday.
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