FA To Investigate Alleged Racial Abuse On Birmingham Keeper, Etheridge

The Football Association announced it would begin investigation on an alleged racist abuse aimed at Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge during their FA Cup game at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Birmingham manager John Eustace said Etheridge was abused by fans after he celebrated his side's stoppage time equaliser in the 2-2 draw in the fourth round.

Eustace told newsmen: "Neil was racially abused at the end, which is bang out of order. There is no room at all in society, let alone football, for that."

Blackburn in a club statement said: "The club has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of abuse and discrimination, and will take the strongest possible action against any individuals identified for committing such offences."

Reacting, a statement from the FA read: "We are aware of an alleged incident of racial abuse that was reported to the match official. We take allegations of discrimination extremely seriously and we will be investigating as a matter of urgency."