Sporting Khalsa v Hereford FA Cup match abandoned after allegation of racial abuse aimed at home goalkeeper
A football match between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford FC was abandoned after Khalsa's goalkeeper was allegedly racially abused.
The FA Cup second round qualifying match at Khalsa's Guardian Warehousing Arena in Willenhall was abandoned at around 4.30pm, at around the 70th minute, with Hereford winning 2-1. Statements from both clubs alleged the hosts' goalkeeper Ravan Constable was the target of discrimination.
It was one of two incidents involving alleged racial abuse involving Black Country non-league clubs on Saturday: the Midland Premier clash between Tividale and 1874 Northwich was also abandoned.
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."
Sporting Khalsa released a statement on X saying: "During the second half of today's much-anticipated FA Cup match against Hereford an alleged racist inaudible was aimed at our much-loved goalkeeper.
"Following this, and subsequent crowd disorder, the referee made the decision to abandon the game in the 67th minute.
"Racism and discrimination have no place in football. Sporting Khalsa are proud of our diversity, and the diversity in the community that we represent and are based in - we will not let hatred divide us, or our game.
"An investigation has been started, and we would like to thank the match officials and the officials from Hereford for their assistance in this. Further updates on the fixture itself will follow in due course."
Hereford FC released their own statement, saying: "Today's match has been abandoned after allegations of racial abuse aimed at the Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper.
"An investigation into the incident has already been launched and we will work closely with all parties involved.
"As a club, we will not stand for any discriminatory behaviour. Any individual found responsible will be dealt with in the sternest possible manner, including police involvement as necessary."