Fans' anti-racist stance praised by football club

The banner was paid for by Hereford FC fans and displayed at their last home game

Hereford FC has said fans who created a banner opposing racism have its full support.

The club's FA Cup tie at Sporting Khalsa on 13 September had to be abandoned following reports of racist abuse from the crowd, leading to two Hereford supporters being banned while investigations take place.

Hereford FC chairman Chris Ammonds said the flag and 2,000 red cards which were also waved by fans on Saturday "clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling there was about the events that occurred at Sporting Khalsa".

He said fans raised the money for the banner and cards themselves and ended up with a surplus of about £1,000, which would be given to charity.

Hereford FC chairman Chris Ammonds said the actions of the fans showed the strength of feeling at the club

A statement posted by Sporting Khalsa on 13 September said the referee made the decision to call off the FA Cup tie after "an alleged racist audible aimed at our much-loved goalkeeper Ravan Constable".

The rearranged fixture will take place on Tuesday and Mr Ammonds said the fans had discussed taking their banner, which reads "Red card to racism - racists not welcome here" to the match.

He said it might also be flown at future games at Edgar Street, with the full support of the club.

Mr Ammonds said the actions of the supporters "strongly demonstrate that discriminatory behaviour of any sort is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at our club".