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Non-league player who was banned over Harry Arter tweet receives second chance
Published 17:48 20 Sept 2017 BST
Homesport
The footballer who sent those nasty tweets to Harry Arter has found a new club.
Alfie Barker was watching Bournemouth's 3-3 draw with Arsenal on January 3 when he sent a series of tweets to Harry Arter. The teenager, who was playing for non-league side Hitchin Town at the time, mocked Bournemouth midfielder Arter over the loss of his baby daughter in December 2015. He was subsequently sacked by Hitchin and from his job at a carpentry firm. He served a seven-month ban after admitting an FA charge of posting comments which were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute. The ban expired on 1 August and he has been playing for Codicote FC, but has now moved on to Baldock Town. The South Midlands League Division One side have released a statement regarding Barker transfer confirming their intention to give him another chance."Within our club, we welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures and embrace their disabilities or any mental health problems that they have." "We believe that people should be allowed a second chance and have always been willing to listen to people when they have had problems." "After a lot of discussions within the club and after speaking with Alfie, it is our belief that he could benefit from being at our club." "Although we do not in any way condone his previous actions, we do know that it has come to light he has mild learning disabilities and autism." "In this respect, we think that, under the guidance of our club, we can help him become a better person, that he can learn to flourish and put the past behind him."
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