Wilkinson cleared of discriminatory remark to referee

Former Leyton Orient and Walsall forward Conor Wilkinson says he hopes "lessons are learned" after being cleared of making a discriminatory remark to a match official.

The Football Association launched an investigation in April following what they described as an "alleged incident of discrimination" towards referee Sunny Singh Gill during Solihull Moors' home game against Boston United.

Gill took the teams off after showing Wilkinson a red card in the 66th minute and there was a 20-minute hold-up before the match resumed.

But following an investigation lasting several weeks, the FA have confirmed that the matter will go no further.

They said in a statement: "We conducted a full and thorough investigation into this allegation, which included reviewing witness statements, match footage and enhanced audio, and we have decided not to take any further action.

"We are satisfied that the allegation was made in good faith, and we would like to thank all parties for their cooperation throughout this process."

Wilkinson did not play again during the 2025-26 season but the club said at the time that they were "actively assisting the FA with its ongoing investigation into the incident, as well as supporting Conor during what is a difficult time for him both professionally and personally".

The 31-year-old welcomed the FA's decision and acknowledged that such accusations "should never be taken lightly".

But in a statement posted on X by the club, he said: "It was an allegation that had the potential to ruin my career and everything I have worked so hard to build.

"I hope everyone involved reflects on the seriousness of situations like this and the impact they can have on those accused."

His statement continued: "I believe it is important that lessons are learned from this so that no one else has to go through a similar experience.

"For nearly three months, I had to sit back and watch people make comments and assumptions about me that were completely untrue. My wife also received messages that were not only false but deeply upsetting to read. That was one of the hardest parts of this entire ordeal."

Wilkinson thanked the club for helping him through "an incredibly difficult period".

His contract with Moors runs until next summer and he added: "I can't wait for the new season to begin and, hopefully, give everyone something to cheer about."

He began his career at Millwall before joining Bolton, where he spent four years, but it was a period which involved several loan moves elsewhere.

He eventually signed for Gillingham and his list of former clubs also include Dagenham & Redbridge, Motherwll and Colchester United.