EFL Match POSTPONED Following Alarming Racist Remark from Fan; Manager Points Out ‘Societal Problem’
The League One match between EXETER and Reading was interrupted due to allegations of racist abuse from the crowd.
The game concluded in a 1-1 draw, with Jack Marriott scoring for Reading and Jayden Wareham equalizing for Exeter.
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Durkin consulted with both teams’ managers, their captains, and a steward before deciding to stop play.
An announcement was made via the stadium’s PA system, informing attendees that discriminatory behavior had been reported and that the game would be suspended if any further incidents took place.
This incident marks the second time in three matches that an Exeter home game has been interrupted due to racist chanting from the opposing supporters.
Exeter’s Vertu Trophy match against Cardiff also faced a temporary halt due to claims of discriminatory chants from the visiting fans.
Grecians manager Gary Caldwell expressed his frustration after the game, calling for stricter actions.
He stated: “Racism has been directed from the Reading section at one of our players.
“The referee is managing the situation, and it is currently being dealt with.
“However, too many matches are being disrupted due to unacceptable chants and behavior; this issue must be eliminated.
“It’s not just a football problem; it’s a societal issue. It happens across other sports and venues, and it’s shocking that this continues in 2025.
Moment a fan reportedly ‘hurls racist abuse at Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo’ as a Liverpool match is interrupted
“I hope football authorities can take decisive action to drive change.
“There are countless spectators, but if we can identify the offenders, they should receive lifetime bans from stadiums.
“The punishment should fit the crime, and I believe a zero-tolerance policy is necessary.”
The issue of racist chanting at football games has increasingly gained attention in recent years.
Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth was halted in August following allegations of racist abuse aimed at Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo.
Last month, England captain Harry Kane indicated that players were prepared to walk off the pitch during their World Cup qualifier in Serbia if they encountered racist chanting.
Before the match, Serbia had urged home fans for good conduct, having been fined over £600,000 for incidents of discrimination involving their supporters.
The Serbian FA was subsequently fined more than £75,000 due to reports of discriminatory conduct, along with issues of laser pointing and inappropriate gestures.
