HEREFORD FC manager Paul Caddis has given his full support to the decision to abandon his side’s FA Cup at Sporting Khalsa – following reports of racist abuse aimed at the home side’s goalkeeper.
The Second Round Qualifying Round game at Khalsa’s Willenhall ground was called off by the referee in the second half.
A statement from Northern Premier League West club Khalsa was issued on Saturday evening and said: “During the second half of today’s much anticipated FA Cup match against Hereford, an alleged racist audible was aimed at our much-loved goalkeeper, Ravan Constable.
“Following this, and subsequent crowd disorder, the referee made the decision to abandon the game in the 67th minute.
“Racism and discrimination have no place in football. Sporting Khalsa are proud of our diversity, and the diversity in the community that we represent and are based in – we will not let hatred divide us or our game.
“An investigation has been started, and we would like to thank the match officials, and the officials from Hereford, for their assistance in this. Further update on the fixture itself will follow in due course.”
National League North side Hereford FC also issued a statement – with a threat of police action against the individual said to have made the gesture – confirmed as ‘monkey chanting’ by Khalsa.
Statement.#COYW | #OurCity pic.twitter.com/HFOHyQC8VG
— HerefordFC (@HerefordFC) September 13, 2025
It said: “Today’s match has been abandoned after allegations of racial abuse aimed at the Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper.
“An investigation into the incident has already been launched, and we will work closely with all parties involved.
“As a club, we will not stand for any discriminatory behaviour. Any individual found responsible will be dealt with in the sternest possible manner, including police involvement as necessary.”
But Bulls boss Caddis – the former Birmingham City player – was furious after the game and backed referee’s decision to abandon the tie.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s an absolute disgrace.
“If you want to act like that and use language like that, then don’t come back to this football club. We have worked tirelessly as a football club the last couple of years to make it the best experience possible for people. “It’s human beings first and foremost. Nowadays, I don’t know what it is, in society, people think they can pay what they want, come through the door and you can shout what you want, you can say what you want,
“We stand by Sporting Khalsa and their goalkeeper. I was the first one to suggest that we make a stance. I don’t think it’s right. We’ve got black players in our team. What has gone through their minds?
“I think he’s been he’s been ejected and identified, but no, we don’t want people like that at our club.
A statement from Sporting Khalsa Football Club: pic.twitter.com/Pvhkty2Ufq
— Sporting Khalsa (@SportingKhalsa) September 13, 2025
“That’s not a representation of our supporters. But sadly, because he was there with a Hereford badge, he was representing our football club and I hope the book is thrown at him. I really do.
“I don’t care if that’s harsh, I don’t care. Don’t want him here. I’ve got players that I will protect as well. We’ve got players of different races.
“I’m absolutely seething. Our thoughts aren’t even on the game now.”
Caddis explained what had happened after the players left the pitch with Hereford 2-1 up.
He added: “We went into the referee’s room after. We’d decided to go off the pitch. We were fully supportive.
“And I made the point. I didn’t want their manager to appear a scapegoat with us leading, because he isn’t like that.
“My point was, let’s make a stance now. This is happening far too often, whether it’s step four, step two, Premier League, whatever it is, make a stance.
“It’s 2025 and I’m fed up of hiding behind social media accounts and all this, so someone has to do something. It’s disgusting. It really is. F
“We should be proud as players, staff, the supporters that came along, that the right decision was made.
“I apologised to the keeper on behalf of the football club. I think that was the right thing to do.
“But it’s a sad day. The saddest I’ve had at the club.”
- It was not the only game in the area to be abandoned due to racism on Saturday.
Tividale’s Midland League Premier Division game against 1874 Northwich was also called off.
A club statement on Saturday said: “Following today’s match being abandoned due to the alleged incident, Tividale FC and our supporters strongly stand against racism in any form.
“We fully support and stand by our players, coaches, management, supporters and the wider Tivi family.
Club Statement – Tividale FC
Following today’s match being abandoned due to the alleged incidents, Tividale FC and our supporters strongly stand against racism in any form.
We fully support and stand by our players, coaches, management, supporters, and the wider Tivi Family.… pic.twitter.com/k5Iis3QdSK
— Tividale FC 💛💙 (@TiviFCofficial) September 13, 2025
“The club has a zero tolerance policy towards racism and continues to operate with a Just Play attitude – promoting respect, inclusion, and fairness at all times.
“We are fully cooperating with the league as they investigate today’s events, and will continue to uphold the high standards on and off the pitch. Together we remain united.”
A post on Tividale’s X account earlier said: “Game abandoned! More in due course when the facts are established.”
