'Like something from the '80s' - Sporting Khalsa manager condemns 'idiots' as police probe alleged racial abuse of goalkeeper
The manager of a Black Country football club whose goalkeeper allegedly suffered racial abuse has condemned the "idiots" responsible - but spoken of his pride at his players' response.
In a video interview posted to Sporting Khalsa's X account on Sunday (September 14) long-serving Khalsa manager Ian Rowe confirmed his goalkeeper Ravan Constable was the subject of "monkey noises" during the match against Hereford FC on Saturday.
The FA Cup second round qualifying match at Khalsa's Guardian Warehousing Arena in Willenhall was abandoned during the second half after an allegation of racist abuse from the away section. Hereford FC have already confirmed two supporters have been banned pending an investigation by West Midlands Police.
Rowe summed up his feelings at the start of the video interview: "Angry, disappointed, upset. I was upset for Ravan, upset for everything we do as a club and everything we put on.
"Hereford were good, Paul [Caddis] and Adam [Rooney], their management team, were very good. Obviously we went in and spoke to the officials after the game and they conducted themselves very well.
"But the incident... we're in 2025. People come to a game of football, enjoy the game of football - leave your opinions and your views at home. You're not welcome at our club.
"As a club obviously we've had to face barriers and hurdles. I've certainly been on my journey since I've been at the club.
"The players yesterday, I was proud of them because they all backed Ravan and made sure, duty of care, he was looked after and he was okay first and foremost.
"Going forward obviously we've just got to basically put contingencies to try and make sure we never get a repeat of it.
"As I've said previously you can never [legislate] for today's idiot.
"Like I've said, it's 2025. Monkey chanting, come on. That's like something from the '80s. Give your head a wobble, you're not welcome at our club.
"Do not attend. Kick it out, kick them out."
A statement from the Football Association on Sunday morning said the governing body was "very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd".
It added: "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."
West Midlands Police is investigating the incident and has asked anyone who can help to get in touch.
A spokesman said on Sunday: "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: a Midland Premier clash between Tividale and 1874 Northwich was also abandoned.
