A charity boxing match has been canceled following the comments made by one of the Notts Casual Infidels about the murder of Jo Cox MP.
Jamie Ray Upton AKA Daniel Hall from Mansfield, is the group’s spokesman and runs their Facebook page.
In the aftermath of Cox’s murder while others were expressing shock and disgust, Upton – presumably worse for wear after England’s victory over Wales in the Euros – responded by posting:
“We knew it was only a matter of time before we take it to the next level. We have been mugged off for Far to (sic) long.”
By the next day Upton was busily backtracking, claiming he’d been misunderstood, but the damage had already been done. His comments made the group instant national hate figures – even in the blackshirt-supporting Daily Mail. (The Nottingham Casuals rugby club had to put out a statement distancing themselves from their fascist namesakes.)
Jamie Ray Upton AKA Daniel Hall from Mansfield
Upton was set to fight in the Ultra White Collar Boxing event at The Village Hotel in Chilwell on Sunday. The event was intended to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, but has been cancelled by the organisers.
A spokesman for Cancer Research UK said:
“Everyone at Cancer Research UK was absolutely shocked and saddened to hear the news of Labour MP Jo Cox. Our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and family.
“It has been brought to our attention that a member of a group condoning this tragic incident was due to take part in a fundraising event in aid of Cancer Research UK.
“We have alerted the event organisers and the decision has been made not to allow his participation to ensure that the event remains a safe and positive environment.”
The decision to cancel the fight may also have been influenced by a planned anti-fascist demonstration outside the event.
The other fights at the event are still going ahead and the organisers are better off without Upton anyway. His record when it comes to fund-raising isn’t great. While a member of the EDL he was accused of “ripping off” the organisation by pocketing funds from the sales of EDL merchandise, as well as profiteering on travel to and from demonstrations. He was also accused of taking EDL money donated to his “North Notts” division, and investing it in a new charitable front called “stand together”.