Racist abuse is 'part of' football - Forde

Bristol Rovers' Shaq Forde was sent racist abuse after he was sent off in a game last month

Racism is "unfortunately part of" football says Bristol Rovers forward Shaq Forde, after he was sent online racist abuse last month.

Forde received a message on social media that contained racist and abusive language after he was sent off in Bristol Rovers' defeat to Reading last month.

His club put out a statement at the time under the heading 'Enough is Enough' that said they were "infuriated" and sick and tired" of the behaviour blighting the sport.

"When I was walking off after I got sent off I already had a feeling it would happen," Forde told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's not nice to know this can happen for getting sent off. I was more angry that it still happens in this day and age.

"I was more worried about my family and how they would react because it's never happened to me before. I was upset for my family to have to know that their son and loved one was going through that."

Two banners in support of Shaq Forde were displayed at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday

Forde, 20, made a goalscoring return on Saturday for Bristol Rovers' draw at home to Lincoln City.

Two banners were held up in the Memorial Stadium stands during the game, after a fundraiser by fan podcast the GasCast to show support to Forde and other players who had suffered racist abuse.

Manger Matt Taylor said before the match it would be a moment of "togetherness".

"I know the club has done a lot to try and make sure it doesn't happen again. But unfortunately it's part of the game at the moment," Forde said.

"I got a lot of messages when everything came out. I really appreciate it, the majority of the fans getting behind me and showing support."

Forde scored Rovers' only goal of the game in their 1-1 draw with the Imps, curling a shot from 20 yards into the net in the 35th minute to give them the lead. The goal was his second in 10 League Games this season

"It's definitely one of my better ones, I'd put it up there," Forde said of the strike.