Exeter’s League One clash against Reading had to be stopped due to reports of racist abuse coming from the stands. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after Jack Marriott scored for the visitors, but Jayden Wareham equalized for Exeter. Referee James Durkin made the decision to temporarily halt the match in the 74th minute following allegations of a racist comment aimed at an Exeter player from the away fans.
Suspension of the Game
Durkin consulted with both team managers, captains, and a steward before pausing the game. An announcement was made inside the stadium informing spectators that discriminatory abuse had been reported and that the match would be stopped if further incidents occurred. This isn’t the first time that an Exeter home game has been interrupted by racist chanting from visiting supporters. A previous match against Cardiff had to be temporarily halted for the same reason.
Manager’s Reaction
Exeter’s manager, Gary Caldwell, expressed his discontent with the situation, calling for stronger action to be taken against such behavior. He stated, “Racism from the Reading end towards a player on our team. It’s going to be dealt with by the referee and they’re sorting all that out now.” Caldwell emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards racism in football, highlighting that the issue extends beyond the sport and is a societal problem. He urged football authorities to implement stricter measures to combat discriminatory behavior in stadiums.
Growing Concerns
Racist chanting in football matches has become a prominent issue in recent years, with incidents like the one at Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth where the match had to be halted due to reported racist abuse towards a player. England captain Harry Kane even mentioned that players would be willing to walk off the pitch if faced with racist chanting during a World Cup qualifier. The Serbian FA has faced fines for discriminatory behavior from fans, indicating a global problem that requires immediate attention. It is crucial for football authorities to address these issues and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in the sport.
