Kick It Out has been made aware of an incident involving Leicester Nirvana, a grassroots club with a strong community focus who provide opportunities to young people.

During a recent fixture, one of Leicester Nirvana’s players was initially refused permission to play by the referee due to wearing a bandana, in line with his religious beliefs, but was later allowed to feature.

So as not to interfere with the ongoing investigation, Kick It Out will refrain from commenting on case specifics however it wishes to extend its support to Leicester Nirvana and the player, and will provide guidance wherever needed.

The case raises important issues for the wider grassroots community. This level of football relies on people giving up their time to referee, coach, supervise and play in these fixtures, and they should all be commended for doing so.

What is essential, however, is that officials receive sufficient equality and inclusion training as well as being up-to-date with the laws of the game, around issues such as headwear.

When incidents arise from a lack of knowledge this can have a detrimental impact and be stressful for not only the individual, but also for the teams involved.

This can easily be avoided and only reinforces the point that those responsible for officiating fixtures need the knowledge and support from the authorities to be able to play their part in what, ultimately, should be an enjoyable experience for all concerned.

Read the article on their website here.

“We commend Nirvana FC for their stance on the situation. There is often discussion about why there are so few British-Asians in the game of professional football, and this incident highlights one obstacle that Sikhs and all people of religious identity can face. Sikhs play football at a variety of levels across the world with their heads covered and will continue to do so". 

read the full statement here

- Media release -

Seasoned campaigners, Leicester Nirvana FC, are again calling for equality in football and for officials to have a greater understanding of their own rules.
On the 21st Jan 2017, whilst playing in the United Counties Football League (UCL) in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, a match official refused to allow a Nirvana player to play in the fixture. The player, who is a practicing Sikh, was wearing a black bandanna as part of their religious believes, and which is allowed as stipulated in the rules of the Football Association (FA).

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game 2016-17 states that, ‘where head covers are worn, they must: be black or the same main colour as the shirt (provided that the players of the same team wear the same colour)’.

Nirvana has since written to the Head of Judicial Services at the National FA, the Head of Disciplinary at Leicestershire and Rutland County FA and Cambridgeshire FA, the Chief Executive of Kick it Out and the secretary of the United Counties League, who are investigating why the original decision was made.

The young player in question was said to have felt embarrassed but had the full backing of Nirvana who refused to play the fixture until the situation was resolved. Immediate enquiries saw the match official overturn their decision after direct instruction from the league. The player then went on to score both Nirvana goals in a match that ended Leicester Nirvana FC 2 – 1 Huntingdon Town FC.

Leicester Nirvana has stated that, “What we find very difficult is the lack of appreciation or understanding of the impact that these types of events have on the club, the team, the community and most importantly the players concerned. Nirvana is one of the most diverse clubs in the country, and have been put in a position were lack of training or cultural understanding has yet again, resulted in discrimination.”

Nirvana is awaiting a fuller response from the authorities in regards to what actions will be taken to make sure that an event such as this does not happen again. 

Over the winter period we have moved the Saturday Development for 5-6 years and 7-9 years over to Gateway college in Hamilton. The session for all ages is at 9am - 10am. From the 7th January the session cost will be £3.00 per child per session. 

We look forward to seeing you. 

Leicester Nirvana are delighted to announce that our 36 year wait to play a senior team game at our OWN home is almost over.  ‬On Friday 23rd December, Leicester Nirvana play Oadby Town FC - 7.45 Kick off at Hamilton Park, 100 Sandhills Avenue, LE5 1LU. 

Come along and show your support.