Two supporters banned by Hereford FC following alleged racist abuse of Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper
Two supporters have been banned indefinitely by Hereford FC following an incident at an FA Cup game where Sporting Khalsa's goalkeeper was allegedly racially abused.
The club's chairman Chris Ammonds provided an update on the Hereford FC website following the events at Saturday's (September 13) FA Cup second round qualifying match at Khalsa's Guardian Warehousing Arena in Willenhall.
The game was abandoned after 70 minutes with Hereford winning 2-1 and statements from both clubs alleged the hosts' goalkeeper Ravan Constable was the target of discrimination.
Mr Ammonds said the club remained deeply upset at the events that had unfolded and said that discriminatory behaviour would not be tolerated. He also confirmed West Midlands Police is investigating the allegation.
He said: "I would like to reiterate that we will not tolerate discriminatory behaviour of any sort and that anyone capable of such behaviour is not welcome in our fantastic fanbase.
“I can confirm that two individuals who have been identified as potentially being involved in yesterday’s incident will be banned from Edgar Street with immediate effect, and this ban will remain in place while a full investigation is conducted.
“As the incident is also being investigated by the police, we are unable to make any further comment, other than to say we will co-operate fully with all parties involved in the investigation.
"We would also ask people to avoid speculating on the identity of any of the individuals involved online, and to respect the process that now has to be followed to investigate the incident.
“While yesterday’s incident remains very upsetting, I would like to say that I am proud of the response I have seen from our fanbase as a whole, both at the game and in the aftermath.
“Like me, my fellow directors, and our playing, management and office staff, supporters are clearly appalled by the allegations that have been made and a number have already come forward to provide information to aid the investigation.
“I would like to thank our supporters for standing with us, and alongside Sporting Khalsa, following the events of yesterday.
"Discriminatory behaviour of any sort must be called out and as a football community it is absolutely vital that we continue to do just that.”
West Midlands Police is appealing for anyone who could help the investigation to get in touch.
A spokesman said: "An investigation will be carried out, and the victim will be spoken to in due course to establish the details.
"Anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the incident can get in touch with us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101 quoting log 3265 of September 13."
The incident was one of two involving alleged racial abuse involving Black Country non-league clubs on Saturday: the Midland Premier clash between Tividale and 1874 Northwich was also abandoned.
