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| Dale Roberts: Petition over AFC Rushden & Diamonds shirt ban | Dale Roberts: Petition over AFC Rushden & Diamonds shirt ban |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A petition supporting a football club's bid not to use a number one shirt in tribute to a former player has been backed by more than 3,500 people. | A petition supporting a football club's bid not to use a number one shirt in tribute to a former player has been backed by more than 3,500 people. |
| AFC Rushden & Diamonds retired the number one shirt as a mark of respect for goalkeeper Dale Roberts, who took his own life in 2010. | |
| But the Southern Football League has told the club it is against its rules and the number must be used. | But the Southern Football League has told the club it is against its rules and the number must be used. |
| The club defied the rule on Saturday as support for the petition grew. | The club defied the rule on Saturday as support for the petition grew. |
| Roberts played for Rushden & Diamonds FC, who were dissolved in 2011, over two spells from 2008-2010. | Roberts played for Rushden & Diamonds FC, who were dissolved in 2011, over two spells from 2008-2010. |
| Following his death, Rushden's phoenix club - who were promoted to the Southern Football League Division One Central last season - said none of their sides at any level have ever used the number. | Following his death, Rushden's phoenix club - who were promoted to the Southern Football League Division One Central last season - said none of their sides at any level have ever used the number. |
| The Northamptonshire club has also said that only two number one shirts have been produced since Roberts' death - one which hangs in "Dale's Bar" at its ground and one presented to the goalkeeper's parents. | The Northamptonshire club has also said that only two number one shirts have been produced since Roberts' death - one which hangs in "Dale's Bar" at its ground and one presented to the goalkeeper's parents. |
| The league would not comment on its decision to tell the club they have to register a number one shirt, saying the "matter is subject to an FA appeal". | The league would not comment on its decision to tell the club they have to register a number one shirt, saying the "matter is subject to an FA appeal". |
| Some of those who have signed the petition calling on the league to perform a U-turn have called the decision "disgraceful" and "heartless". | Some of those who have signed the petition calling on the league to perform a U-turn have called the decision "disgraceful" and "heartless". |
| On Saturday AFC Rushden & Diamonds opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Petersfield Town, with goalkeeper Matt Finlay wearing the number 17 shirt. | On Saturday AFC Rushden & Diamonds opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Petersfield Town, with goalkeeper Matt Finlay wearing the number 17 shirt. |
| Supporters collected money on the day to help cover any potential fines the club could face. | Supporters collected money on the day to help cover any potential fines the club could face. |
| It is expected that the number 17 shirt will again be used for Tuesday night's match with St Ives Town. | It is expected that the number 17 shirt will again be used for Tuesday night's match with St Ives Town. |
| The Football Association confirmed it had received the club's appeal. | The Football Association confirmed it had received the club's appeal. |