Jamaica’s McCleary racially abused in England
LONDON, England (AFP) — Reading’s Jamaica international Garath McCleary was racially abused during his side’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Bradford City, the English Championship club claimed.
McCleary scored Reading’s second goal in a 3-0 win in Monday’s replay at the Madejski Stadium, which set up a last-four showdown with holders Arsenal.
But he was also seen to make a complaint to the assistant referee while he took a corner shortly before half-time and Reading said he had been the target of racist abuse from Bradford’s fans.
“An incident was reported to the match officials just before half-time, who in turn told Reading staff,” Reading said in a statement. “A man was then arrested and ejected during the half-time interval.”
In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: “A 36-year-old man from Bradford was arrested on suspicion of indecent/racial chanting at a designated football match (Football Offences Act 1991) and he has been bailed until 16th April.”
The game also saw a fan run onto the pitch during play, while a number of home fans mounted a pitch invasion at the final whistle and flares were also let off.
Reading manager Steve Clarke said after the game that McCleary had been “upset by something”, but he was unable to provide further details.
Bradford issued a statement in which they said they had been “made aware” of the fan’s arrest and stating: “Bradford City do not condone racism or any other form of discriminatory behaviour whatsoever.”