Table of Contents
- Match Suspension Due to Racism
- Match Summary
- Referee's Decision
- Manager's Reaction
- Broader Issues in Football
EXETER’S League One match against Reading was suspended following reports of racist abuse from the crowd.
The game concluded in a 1-1 draw after Jack Marriott scored first for the visitors, only for Jayden Wareham to equalize.
Exeter’s League One match against Reading was suspended due to reports of racist abuse.
In the 74th minute, referee James Durkin opted to temporarily stop the game after allegations of a racist comment directed at an Exeter player from the away supporters.
Durkin consulted with both managers and team captains, as well as a steward, before pausing the match.
An announcement was made within the stadium stating that discriminatory abuse had been reported, and the match would be halted if further incidents occurred.
This marks the second time in three games that an Exeter home match has been interrupted by racist chanting from away fans.
Exeter’s Vertu Trophy match against Cardiff was also temporarily halted due to reports of discriminatory chanting from the away section.
Grecians manager Gary Caldwell expressed his frustration after the match, calling for more decisive action to be taken.
He stated: “Racism from the Reading supporters directed at one of our players.
“It will be addressed by the referee, and they are managing the situation now.
“However, too many games are being stopped due to unacceptable chanting and behavior; we must work towards eradicating it.
“It’s not just a football issue; it’s a societal problem. It occurs in other sports and venues, and it is astonishing that it continues to happen in 2025.
“I hope that football authorities can implement changes to tackle this issue.
“There are thousands of fans, but if we can identify those responsible, they should be banned from football stadiums permanently.
“We need to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, and in my view, there should be a zero-tolerance policy.”
The problem of racist chanting at football matches has become an increasingly prominent topic in recent years.
Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth was halted in August due to similar issues.
Last month, team captains indicated that players were ready to leave the pitch during their World Cup qualifier if they encountered racist chants.
Serbia had to urge their home fans for proper conduct ahead of a match after being fined over £600,000 for discriminatory incidents involving supporters.
Additionally, the Serbian FA faced a fine of more than £75,000 after reports of discriminatory behavior, including the use of lasers and inappropriate gestures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the suspension of the Exeter vs. Reading match?
The match was suspended due to reports of racist abuse directed at an Exeter player from the away supporters.
What actions did the referee take during the incident?
Referee James Durkin consulted with both managers and captains, as well as a steward, before deciding to halt the match.
What is the manager's stance on racism in football?
Manager Gary Caldwell expressed his discontent over the ongoing issues of racism and called for stronger actions to eliminate unacceptable behavior from the sport.
