Bantams call for FA action after duo abused at Chesterfield

The Bantams were beaten 3-0 by the National League side in their final warm-up game before the League Two kick-off.

But the game was marred after angry abuse was shouted by a home supporter towards City subs Lee Angol and Yann Songo’o who were warming up with Andy Cook by the corner of the pitch in front of him.

The fan was eventually escorted from his seat by stewards – and there were cheers among others in the Chesterfield crowd as he left - but City were deeply unhappy about what had gone on.

Hughes said: “I wouldn’t call the guy a supporter if I’m honest. What the players were saying he said was an absolute disgrace.

“You can’t have that whether it’s a pre-season game or a kickabout on a school field. You’ve got to get rid of any kind of racism and questioning people’s skin colour is just unacceptable.

“It’s too prevalent and when we do see an example of it, we’ve got to jump on it quickly.

“We’ve put in a full report with the referee and the FA will get involved. It was the right thing to do.

“Chesterfield were absolutely supporting us in terms of getting the game stopped. The lad needed to be ejected and hopefully further issues will come his way.”

Hughes complained to referee Danny Middleton while the game was stopped for several minutes as Chesterfield dealt with the supporter involved.

“It was some idiot and I’ve no idea what he was thinking,” added the City boss.

“The fans highlighted who it was and moved away from him. They should be applauded for that.

“They don’t want people like that in their football club and in their stand.”

Chesterfield tonight issued a statement to say that an individual had left the stadium during the break in play and they have since taken witness statements.

A club spokesperson said: “After being made aware of the alleged comment, stewards and police officers spoke to the fan in question, who denied the accusation and left voluntarily.

“Witness statements have been taken as part of an investigation and, if necessary, appropriate action will be taken.

“Our club and Community Trust does a lot of work around anti-racism and racist comments at our stadium will not be tolerated.”

Neither Songo’o nor Angol reacted at the time to what was being said other than bringing to the attention of the City coaching staff.

Mark Trueman went down the touchline to talk to the stewards while Hughes was in conversation with the officials.

Asked about how his players were feeling, Hughes said: “They’ve probably experienced it on too many occasions.

“Sometimes you can turn a blind eye to it although it’s really difficult for the guys but on this occasion it was too blatant to ignore.

“They made us aware and hopefully we can make a small indent into what is a huge problem.”

Bantams striker Vadaine Oliver said: "In this day and age, we should be past this.

"It's not Chesterfield as a club or the fanbase. You get idiots in every group and it's sad to see."