Neil Etheridge of Birmingham suffered racial abuse during their match against the Blackburn Rovers after drawing the game 2-2.
Azkals team captain and Birmingham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was visibly upset in the Emirates FA Cup after experiencing racial abuse from a supporter when his team tied the game with the Blackburn Rovers last January 28.
Etheridge raised the issue to the referee while obviously shaken from the incident just after his teammate Jordan James had equalized in stoppage time for the Blues to secure a 2-2 draw and send the fourth-round tie back to St Andrew's, reported The Daily Mail.
“Neil was racially abused which is bang out of order,” confirmed by Burmingham boss John Eustace said.
“There's no room for any racism in society, let alone in football. We're really disappointed that's happened. As a football club we don't condone it at all and we're fully behind him. The referee will report it and further action will be taken from there. It's a very, very serious issue.”
Blackburn FC also provided a statement via Sportsmail regarding the issue in which they claimed that the club has “zero tolerance” policy for racism and they will provide the “strongest possible action” for involved individuals.
“Blackburn Rovers is aware of allegations of racist abuse reported to the match officials by Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge during today's FA Cup fourth round tie at Ewood Park,” the statement read.
“Allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously. The club has a zero tolerance policy for all forms of abuse and discrimination, and will take the strongest possible action against any individuals identified for committing such offenses.”
The Blues shed a light on the incident but have pledged its full support to Etheridge as according to the club, “there is no room for racism in the game.”
The Football Association also came out a statement regarding the incident and has initiated moves to look into the matter with urgency and vowed to work with the clubs and the relevant authorities.
Tags: #football, #Birmingham, #racism