Fight to end racism vital - Croft

LEE Croft has admitted he experienced the lowest point of his career after accusations he racially abused a black ball-boy.

The incident at Sheffield United on October 13 sparked a police investigation and it took 12 days before Croft was cleared due to there being "no substance" to the allegations.

"I can’t think of anything worse than to be called a racist," said Athletic winger Croft, who wrote a letter of apology to the ball-boy after admitting swearing at him. "The people who knew me realised nothing like that would ever come out of my mouth.”

Croft said he was grateful to South Yorkshire Police - but feels such false claims can have a damaging effect on the anti-racism drive.

"I understand why the police had to carry out an investigation," he added. "I'm glad they were so thorough.

"But when people are wrongly accused it damages the cause. I don't want the battle against racism to suffer because of what happened to me. It is too important."