Bristol Rovers Supporters Plan Anti-Racism Display at Match

Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor confirmed that several of the club’s players have been subjected to racist abuse. Taylor anticipates a moment of “togetherness” this Saturday, as fans intend to display a flag in solidarity with players who have experienced such abuse. Last month, the club expressed being “infuriated” by racist abuse directed at forward Shaq Forde following his sending off during their defeat at Reading. Subsequently, the GasCast fan podcast launched a crowdfunder to acquire two flags, which are scheduled to be showcased at the Memorial Ground, signifying the supporters’ dedication to diversity and inclusion. “I’m delighted, I’m really pleased in relation to that and I know the players will be as well,” Taylor informed BBC Radio Bristol. He further commented, “It’ll be a moment for connection, togetherness, solidarity everything you need at a football club in terms of supporting each other and it means the most to this group of players.” Forde is eligible to participate in Rovers’ home game against Lincoln City on Saturday, having completed a one-game ban for his previous sending off. Taylor also revealed that more members of his squad have been targets of racist abuse than is publicly known, which can cause players to feel “alone.” “It’s hit the players quite hard, not just the ones who have been directly involved, so any form of support, verbally and visibly, from our fanbase will mean an awful lot,” he added. “It will mean a lot to me, the staff, the club, especially the players and for those players to see and hear and witness that this weekend will be a big moment for them,” Taylor continued. He concluded, “Sometimes they an feel alone – not in terms of playing football but in terms of the discrimination and some of the racist abuse that they’ve received. That’s not just a handle against our fans, but they’re our players and we have to support them in any way we possibly can.”