"More has to be done" - Darren Byfield condemns racist abuse of Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts

Darren Byfield insists “more has to be done” to “eradicate racism” from football, after Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts alleged he was subjected to a racist comment by a home supporter during their 3-1 win at Barrow.

There was a lengthy stoppage midway into the first half when Roberts reported a comment made by a Barrow supporter to referee Scott Oldham.

The Barrow fan in question was escorted from the stadium in the aftermath of the incident and the press announcer reminded supporters of the club’s zero-tolerance towards racism at the half-time interval.

However, Byfield revealed that the referee had not initially made him aware of the racial comment and said the incident has left him “angry”.

“Those things really annoy me and get me angry” - Byfield

The Walsall interim head coach said: “I’m disappointed with that because the referee came over and I asked him what had been said?

“He told me it was just a comment. I asked him if it was racial and he said no. So now that looks like I’m not supporting Myles.

“These things affect our players and it’s not a good look. These things need to be eradicated from the game.

“He has pointed people out. Action has to be taken, not just say: let’s get on with the game.

“Do you know what kind of affect it has on our players? Those things really annoy me and gets me angry because more has to be done.”

Albert Adomah opened the scoring in the 33rd-minute before Mason Hancock bagged a brace in either half to secure the Saddlers first win in five games in League Two.

But Byfield feels more can be done to protect players from suffering abuse of any kind on the pitch - especially racism.

“I’ve spoken about it because we have to do more to protect players - especially when it’s racial,” he added.

“These things need to be eradicated from the game and people need to do more.

“If you need to employ more stewards - do it. Security? Do it. Police? Do it.

“Because that can’t be done and when people are pointing people out, action has to be taken.

“I’ve just found out the person was ejected - so well done on that part - but I’m disappointed the referee didn’t say anything to me along those lines so I can make sure Myles is OK.”