Birmingham City manager John Eustace has alleged goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was racially abused during his FA Cup game with Blackburn.
The 2-2 fourth-round draw between the Championship sides at Ewood Park saw the game delayed after an altercation by Etheridge’s goal.
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The game was delayed
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And the referee had to deal with the situation
Referee Keith Stroud interrupted proceedings to speak to the England-born Philippines international, before resuming play.
Asked what happened after the game, Blues manager Eustace told the media: “Neil was racially abused which is completely irrelevant.
“There is no place for racism in society, let alone in football, really disappointing that this has happened, we as a football club do not tolerate it at all and we are fully behind Neil.”
After confirming it was a fan involved behind the goal, Eustace was asked how referee Stroud handled the situation.
“100 per cent [he dealt with it well],” he said. “It’s a very, very, very serious problem, you can’t help but take it by the scruff of the neck.
“Neil was a bit shaken after the game and rightly so, but the lads surrounded him well and made sure he was okay.
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Etheridge was clearly affected by the incident
“We’ll talk to him on the bus and see how he’s doing.
“I think the referee will signal it, so it will be up to Blackburn as a club to deal with the situation.”
