THE FA have released a statement following the abandonment of an FA Cup Second Qualifying Round clash on Saturday.
The tie between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford was abandoned after 67 minutes following alleged racial abuse targeted at a player.
GettyAn FA Cup tie between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford was abandoned after 67 minutes after alleged racial abuse[/caption]
Statements from both clubs suggest that alleged racist abuse was targeted at Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper Ravan Constable.
An FA spokesperson has since said: “We are very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd during the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying fixture between Sporting Khalsa FC and Hereford FC.
“The match was subsequently abandoned and the next steps for the tie will be confirmed in due course.
“Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated in our game, and we will work with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and and ensure the appropriate action is taken.”
Sporting Khalsa released a statement of their own, condemning the alleged abuse.
It read: “Racism and discrimination have no place in football. Sporting Khalsa are proud of our diversity, and the diversity in the community that we represent and are based in – we will not let hatred divide us, or our game.”
While Hereford’s statement added: “As a club, we will not stand for any discriminatory behaviour.
“Any individual found responsible will be dealt with in the sternest possible manner, including police involvement as necessary.”
Local reports have suggested that goalkeeper Constable confronted the individual accused of racial abuse in the crowd.
Before the referee decided to abandon the game and the managers of both side led their players off the pitch.
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