Connor Ripley: Carlisle United apologise to Port Vale keeper after abuse

Connor Ripley shared some of the abuse he faced on social media

Warning: Contains content which readers may find distressing.

Carlisle United have apologised to Port Vale goalkeeper Connor Ripley after he was subjected to abuse by a supporter.

The Cumbrians said they were working with police to identify who was responsible for the "disgraceful comments".

Ripley, 30, shared the abuse he received during Monday's League One game between the sides on social media.

In a statement, Carlisle said the abuse was "totally unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest terms".

Ripley was abused by fans at the Warwick Road End of the ground during the Cumbrians' 2-1 win.

The goalkeeper wrote on social media: "I don't mind people saying stuff to me normally and I will always give a bit back, because that's who I am, but in all my years playing football I've never had anyone tell me 'go and hang yourself'.

"I think it's disgusting and because I play for a different team to them they think they can say stuff like that whilst I am working.

"You don't know what I'm going through and you don't know if that could have had a serious effect on me.

"Maybe people just need to think that we're just normal people with family and friends. Anyway thank you to the Carlisle fans that have messaged me about it, I appreciate it."

Port Vale said in their own statement on X that Carlisle manager Paul Simpson had personally apologised and added that Vale's "dedicated police officer" would work to try to identify the individual.

"Abuse of any kind has no place in sport, if you see or hear anything you deem as unacceptable, please report it," Vale said.

Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens said he had spoken to Ripley and had also apologised on behalf of the club.

"He was very understandably still angry and upset. No player deserves that abuse and we are truly sorry he suffered it," Clibbens told the club website.

"We will do all we can to identify the culprit and take the strongest action we can. Fans close by will know who it was and I hope they will help, as they have done in the past, by giving information.

"Everyone knows the Warwick Road End has seen really positive developments in terms of atmosphere but it continues to see regular incidents of disorder and now abuse.

"It's extraordinarily disappointing. We appeal to fans to stop and behave. This cannot go on."

Ticket sales in the Warwick Road End at Brunton Park were suspended for two games in August after objects were thrown on to the pitch during a game against Fleetwood.

The club were also fined £5,000 by the FA for a pitch invasion following their League Two play-off semi-final win over Bradford in May of last year, after previously being fined £7,500 for racist chanting during a league game against the same opposition.

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