An FA Cup second qualifying round clash was called off over alleged racial abuse as players and managers of both clubs walked off the pitch in protest. The clash between Sporting Khalsa and Hereford was stopped in the 67th minute after Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper Ravan Constable was racially abused. The game paused for a bit before the referee calling it off.

Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper racially abused

According to , Constable was subject to racial abuse from the stands, and the Jamaican goalkeeper confronted the individual. The referee soon decided to call off the tie as managers of both clubs led their teams off the pitch. Reflecting on the unfortunate incident, an FA spokesperson said: "We are very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd during the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying fixture between Sporting Khalsa FC and Hereford FC. The match was subsequently abandoned, and the next steps for the tie will be confirmed in due course. Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated in our game, and we will work with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesSporting Khalsa and Hereford condemned the incident

The official statement from Sporting Khalsa read: "Racism and discrimination have no place in football. 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 stated: "As a club, we will not stand for any discriminatory behaviour. Any individual found responsible will be dealt with in the sternest possible manner, including police involvement as necessary."

Hereford boss Caddis called the incident 'a disgrace'

Hereford manager and former Scotland international Paul Caddis: "Absolute disgrace. Disgrace. Not welcome in society, not welcome at football clubs. If you want to act like that and use language like that, don't come back to this football club. We have worked tirelessly as a football club the last couple of years to make it the best experience possible for people. We're human beings, we're human beings first and foremost. Nowadays, I don't know what it is in society, people think they can pay what they want, come through the door, and all rules go out the window.

"It's a disgrace. An absolute disgrace. We stand by Sporting Khalsa and their goalkeeper. I was the first one to suggest that we make a stance. I don't think it's right. We've got black players in our team. I don't know who it is, what has gone through their mind? I think he has been ejected and identified. We don't want people like that at our football club. That is not a representation of our supporters. But sadly, today it is. Because he was there with a Hereford badge, he was representing our football club, and I hope the book gets thrown at him – I really do."

He added: "My point was, let's make a stance now. This is [happening] far too often, whether it's step four, step two, Premier League. Whatever it is, make a stance. It's 2025. I'm fed up with hiding behind social media accounts and all the rest. Someone has to do something. I think we should be proud as players, staff and the supporters that came along. The right decision was made, the right decision was made. We are fully behind Sporting Khalsa, we are fully behind their goalkeeper. I went and apologised on behalf of the football club."

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When will Sporting Khalsa vs Hereford take place?

FA are yet to announce a revised date for the abandoned fixtures. At the time the match stopped, Khalsa were training by 2-1.