A statement from club chairman Brian Henney reads: “During Saturday’s game at Stafford town, racist comments were observed and heard by members of our own team and supporters. Following the game, I the chairman of the club along with the management and secretary undertook an immediate investigation with regard to the contents of that abuse and the persons responsible.

“Atherstone Town FC has a zero tolerance policy stance on racism and as a result of that investigation; I can confirm we have identified the responsible group of fans who will now face life time bans as a result of our findings.

“The club wishes to publicly apologise to Stafford Town FC, their players, management and supporters for this totally unacceptable behaviour.

“Furthermore, I personally wish to apologise to our own players, management, sponsors and core supporters, for the mindless few and assure everyone this is not what our club represents.

“We will take whatever action is necessary to eradicate this cancer within our club once and for all; we will not allow a few mindless individuals to bring this club down.”

Rickards and his assistant Mike Fowler walked out over the incident, despite the Adders being two rounds from Wembley.

It follows Worcester City making two complaints of racial comments directed towards staff during the Buildbase FA Vase Fifth Round tie on February 8th.

Rickards, who was appointed in October, said: “I would like to place on record that I have stepped down from my position as first team manager of Atherstone Town FC following Saturday’s incidents at our away game at Stafford Town”.