In a significant development for English football, an employment tribunal has upheld three claims of racial harassment against former Crawley Town manager John Yems, marking another chapter in a deeply troubling case that has rocked the sport.

Amrit Bansal-McNulty, a former Northern Ireland Under-21 international, is pursuing approximately £12 million in compensation from both Queens Park Rangers and Crawley Town. The midfielder alleges that both clubs failed to protect him from Yems' abuse during his loan spell at Crawley in the 2021-22 season.

The tribunal's judgment, delivered Monday, found Bansal-McNulty "partially successful" in his claims against Yems. Crucially, it determined that Crawley Town was "vicariously liable" for Yems' conduct between 2019 and 2022. However, the claims against QPR—where Bansal-McNulty spent eight years from age 14 without a first-team appearance—were dismissed.

Among the most troubling allegations upheld was an incident where Yems called the player a "curry muncher" and mockingly asked if he was disappointed that team pizzas didn't include a "curry pizza." Yems had attempted to characterize such remarks as mere "banter," but the tribunal rejected this defense.

The case carries particular weight given Yems' recent history. In January, he completed a three-year ban—the longest ever imposed by the Football Association for discrimination—after being found guilty of 11 charges of discrimination during his time at Crawley. The ban was originally 17 months but was extended following an FA appeal. Notably, the original commission concluded Yems was "not a conscious racist," though four charges were dismissed.

Bansal-McNulty is seeking compensation for what he describes as "psychiatric, and career-ending, injury" resulting from the abuse. The remedy hearing will involve only Yems and Crawley Town.

In its final observations, the tribunal struck a somber note: "Unfortunately there are no real winners in this case. Whilst the Claimant has been partially successful in his claims against Mr Yems, and vicariously Crawley Town, his claims against QPR have failed. Mr Yems has not, and realistically was never going to, obtain the exoneration of his conduct and character he was seeking."

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating discrimination from football, and the profound impact such conduct can have on players' careers and mental health.