Caddis hits out at fans in race claim

By Jon Couch

ANGRY: Paul Caddis

TWO Hereford FC fans have been banned with immediate effect after an allegation of racial abuse resulted in their FA Cup tie at Sporting Khalsa being abandoned.

The match was called off in the 67th minute after a comment from the crowd was aimed towards Khalsa goalkeeper Ravan Constable.

Following the incident, Hereford launched an investigation, working closely with all parties, including the police.

Angry Bulls boss Paul Caddis promised the club would “throw the book” at the alleged perpetrator in an impassioned post-match interview and it was he who confirmed the subsequent banning order in a general fans’ update on Sunday.

He commented: “The shambolic behaviour on Saturday was sickening.

“I have been involved in football now professionally as a player, coach and manager since 2003 and I have never witnessed racist abuse at any match I’ve played or any football club setting I have been in.

“We will not accept that behaviour at our club. We should not accept that as human beings. Ravan Constable turned up on Saturday to play with his mates, kicking around a bag of air and throwing on his gloves, and all he did for the first 60 minutes of the game was smile and compete.

“In a world in which it costs an arm and a leg to provide for your family, there are always some things that will never ever cost a penny. Be a decent human being. It costs nothing!”

Sporting Khalsa said in a statement: “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.”

Hereford led 2-1 at the time of the abandonment. The game will now be replayed on Tuesday night.