Half‑Indian footballer Amrit Bansal‑McNulty achieved a partial triumph at the London Employment Tribunal, where the judge held Crawley Town vicariously liable for racist abuse he endured while on loan, but dismissed his claims against Queens Park Rangers (QPR).

Tribunal Ruling: Liability Split Between Clubs

The employment tribunal concluded that Crawley Town bore responsibility for the conduct of former manager John Yems, who called Bansal‑McNulty a “curry muncher” and mocked the absence of a “curry pizza” from a sponsor’s offering. As the tribunal noted, Yems tried to frame the remarks as “banter ,” but three harassment claims were upheld.. By contrast, the tribunal found QPR not liable for the alleged failure to safeguard the player.

Financial Stakes and Uncertain Remedies

Bansal‑McNulty is pursuing roughly £12 million in compensation, arguing the abuse caused psychiatric harm and effectively ended his professional career.. The tribunal refrained from commenting on the likely size of any eventual award, noting that a remedy hearing will determine the final figure.

Broader Pattern of Racial Abuse in Lower‑League Football

This case adds to a growing list of incidents that have drawn attention to racism in England’s lower divisions. Earlier in 2022, multiple Crawley Town players reported similar abuse, prompting the club to suspend Yems.. The FA later upheld 11 of 15 charges against him, imposing a three‑year ban – the longest ever for discrimination in English football.

Club Accountability and the QPR Question

QPR, which signed Bansal‑McNulty at age 14 in 2014, denied any wrongdoing and argued it could not have prevented the abuse that occurred while the player was on loan. The tribunal’s dismissal of the club’s liability raises questions about how far a parent club must go to protect loaned players, especially when the alleged misconduct happens at a different organization.

Unresolved Issues and Next Steps

Key uncertainties remain: whether the upcoming remedy hearing will award the full £12 million sought, and how the decision will influence future legal strategies for players alleging racism. Additionally, the tribunal’s split finding leaves open the question of whether QPR will revise its safeguarding policies for loaned talent.