Boston chief probes 'conspiracy' after boss is ejected

Furious Boston chairman Jon Sotnick has claimed there is a conspiracy against his club after manager Steve Evans was ejected from Blundell Park by police on Saturday.

During the second half of Boston’s 1-0 defeat at Grimsby, Evans was escorted down the players’ tunnel and out of the ground by police following a touchline protest.

The Scot and his players were incensed when Grimsby goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall escaped unpunished after appearing to handle the ball outside of his area in the second half.

Evans berated fourth official Keith Lawson and was immediately spoken to by a police officer after an alleged complaint of foul and abusive language – and was promptly marched out of the stadium.

Sotnick told PA Sport: “This was a disgrace and I’ve launched my own investigation to find out why the police ejected an employee of mine from his place of work.

“It’s one thing being sent to the stands but this went way beyond that and I want answers.

“Steve is no angel, and his language can be rather colourful at times, but that in no way excuses how he was treated.”

Sotnick is determined to get an explanation, adding: “I’m speaking to the head of Lincolnshire Police this week because I need to express my concerns about what has been going on for some time now.

“There seems to be a conspiracy at work because at every game Steve seems to be singled out for extra attention from the police – and I’m determined to get the bottom of this.”

Sotnick claimed the actions of Humberside Police, who police Grimsby’s home matches, put Evans’ safety in jeopardy.

The Pilgrims chairman added: “Steve was thrown out of the ground with no money, no mobile phone and was left to fend for himself.

“The team coach was locked and he couldn’t get on, which put him at risk as he was approached by a number of local youths. Fortunately he didn’t come to any harm.”

Referee Paul Armstrong is understood to have included Evans’ behaviour in his report to the Football Association, while Evans has contacted League Manager’s Association chief executive John Barnwell.

“The LMA and Jon Sotnick have given me their backing, but until investigations are carried out, I won’t be commenting further,” Evans said.