Birmingham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was allegedly qualified by racist abuse from a supporter during his side’s FA Cup draw at Blackburn.
A visibly upset Etheridge was found speaking to referee Keith Stroud just after teammate Jordan James experienced equalised in stoppage time for the Blues to safe a 2-2 draw and send out the fourth-round tie again to St Andrew’s for a replay.
Birmingham’s manager, John Eustace, later on confirmed the Philippines global goalkeeper experienced noted the incident to the formal, and referred to as the abuse “bang out of order … There’s no home for any racism in culture, enable by yourself in football. We’re really unhappy which is transpired. As a soccer club we don’t condone it at all and we’re totally powering him.
“The referee will report it and even more action will be taken from there. It’s a incredibly, quite severe concern. Neil was shook up a minimal little bit right after the sport, very rightly so. The lads received right about him and manufactured certain he’s Alright and we’ll talk to him when we get on the bus and see how he is. The referee will report it initial and foremost and it will be up to Blackburn as a club to deal with the scenario.”
Birmingham said in a statement: “The club can ensure that soon after the game’s fourth target, Neil Etheridge noted an incident of racism to the referee. Subsequently, the match formal, Keith Stroud, delayed the restart and spoke to the head coaches and captains of just about every facet as for every competition protocol.
“This will be provided in the official’s match report and the club will assist the FA and the authorities appropriately. Blues gives its whole support to Neil. There is no home for racism in the video game.”