City of Birmingham imported Neil Etheridge. –Picture Blues
MANILA, Philippines – Birmingham City FC sided with Neil Etheridge after the Filipino goalkeeper reported an incident of racism from the audience as his team ended the match and ended the match in a 2-draw 2 against Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday.
Birmingham said in a statement it would give its full support to Etheridge, who reported the incident to the referee.
“The club can confirm that during the second half of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers, following the fourth goal of the match, Neil Etheridge reported a racist incident to the referee, ‘ wrote the club. “Thereafter, the match referee, Keith Stroud, delayed the restart and spoke to the head coach and captain of each side according to the format of the game. This will be included in the referee’s match report and the Club will assist the FA and the relevant authorities.”
“The Blues give their full support to Neil. There is no place for racism in the game,” the team added.
In a report by BBC News Midland, Philippine member Azkals complained about being racist while the Blues were celebrating Jordan James’ injury-time equalizer. The goalkeeper went to the referee to complain.
The news site added that the Football Association will investigate the incident, while Blackburn will also organize its own investigation.
“The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse and discrimination and will take the strongest possible action against any individual determined to have committed such a crime, ‘ Rovers told the BBC.
Birmingham and Blackburn Rovers will meet again in round 4 on February 1.
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