Birmingham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was left shaken after an alleged incident of racism during their FA Cup game against Blackburn. After Jordan James snatched a late equalizer for Birmingham in stoppage time of the 2-2 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park, Etheridge reported an “incident of racism” to the referee Keith Stroud. Behind Etheridge’s goal, a home supporter is accused of verbally abusing the player. The Birmingham head coach, John Eustace, revealed that the Philippines international goalkeeper was obviously agitated following the match when Stroud delayed the start and spoke to the head coaches.
“Neil experienced racial insults, which is very unacceptable. Racism has no place in society, much less in football. We are quite disappointed by what took place. We don’t condone it at all as a football club, and we absolutely support him,” Birmingham boss John Eustace said about Neil Etheridge. “It will be reported by the referee, and from there, additional action will be taken. It’s an extremely serious problem. Following the game, Neil was understandably shaken up a little bit. The guys immediately surrounded him to make sure he was alright, and we’ll check in with him after we board the bus to see how he’s doing. First and foremost, the referee will report it, and then it will be up to Blackburn as a club to handle it.”
“Blackburn Rovers is aware of the claims of racist abuse that Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge reported to the match officials during today’s FA Cup encounter at Ewood Park,” the club said in a statement. “Blackburn Rovers and the appropriate authorities will conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged incident, which referee Keith Stroud informed the players and managers of both teams about. These kinds of accusations are taken very seriously. The club has a zero-tolerance policy for all types of abuse and discrimination, and it will prosecute anyone found guilty of such crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
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