Ex-Hastings ace Ade speaks out

The all-action striker was returning to the Pilot Field for the first time since joining Ryman Premier rivals Tonbridge Angels at the end of last year.

Olorunda was booed for much of the game but responded by scoring what proved to be the winning goal on Tuesday, last week.

His evening came to a premature end, however, when he suffered a serious mouth injury in an accidental collision with Hastings skipper Sean Ray who he absolved of any blame. He spent the next 20 hours in hospital to correct three teeth which had been knocked back horizontally.

But the game has been overshadowed by abuse aimed at Olorunda while he lay injured. The Kent Courier newspaper stated that one spectator was heard to shout ‘throw him a banana’ three times, before someone told him to shut up. There were also some cries of “let him die”.

Olorunda, who has just been appointed head of year at William Parker Sports College, talks about the alleged racism, his goal celebration, why he left the club and Hastings chairman Dave Walters in Friday’s Hastings Observer.

SATURDAY’S SENIOR FOOTBALL FIXTURES (KICK-OFF 3PM UNLESS STATED)

FA Challenge Vase, quarter-final: Kings Lynn Town v Rye Utd.

Ryman League, Premier Division: Hastings Utd v Billericay Town.

Sussex County League, Division 1: Sidley Utd v Wick.

Division 2: Bexhill Utd v Storrington; Steyning Town v Westfield.

Division 2 Challenge Cup, quarter-final: Little Common v Clymping 1.30.