FA to investigate alleged racial abuse of Birmingham keeper

Birmingham manager John Eustace said his goalkeeper Etheridge was abused by fans after he celebrated his side’s stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw in the fourth round.

Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge reacts after an incident with a fan during the FA Cup Fourth Round match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday in Blackburn.

The Football Association said it would investigate alleged racist abuse aimed at Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge as a matter of urgency following an incident in the FA Cup game at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Birmingham manager John Eustace said Etheridge was abused by fans after he celebrated his side’s stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw in the fourth round.

After the goal Etheridge went to referee Keith Stroud on the halfway line to complain about comments directed to him.

“Neil was racially abused at the end, which is bang out of order,” Eustace told the BBC. “There is no room at all in society, let alone football, for that.”

Birmingham said it would assist the authorities while Blackburn issued a statement saying: “The club has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of abuse and discrimination, and will take the strongest possible action against any individuals identified for committing such offences.”

The FA said: “We are aware of an alleged incident of racial abuse that was reported to the match official.

“We take allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and we will be investigating as a matter of urgency.”