Racism in football - Carlisle boss Keith Curle calls for fans' help after racist abuse is aimed at Everton stars

"It is not what we want in Brunton Park, in football or in society. The club will make all the efforts to find them" says manager after FA Cup defeat 

 

   Own goal: Steven Pienaar appears to react to the shouts after Everton take early lead

Keith Curle has begged Carlisle fans to help hunt down the racist morons who marred their big FA Cup day.
Everton stars Steven Pienaar and Arouna Kone reported being racially abused after Kone netted the opening goal of Sunday's 3-0 away win after just 90 seconds.

They told referee Lee Mason, who consulted home manager Curle and Toffees counterpart Roberto Martinez and took the unusual step of ordering an announcement be made to the Brunton Park crowd.

Curle said: "I would say to fans who were standing next to people and heard people to please step forward and identify people, because it is not accepted.

"The ref came over after the first goal and said that some comments were made and a player spoke to the referee. An announcement was made because it is not tolerated in this club or any club.

     No place for it: Keith Curle has taken a tough stance after Everton players' claims 

"It is not what we want in Brunton Park, in football or in society. The club will make all the efforts to find them."
Premier League Everton ran out comfortable victors over their League Two hosts, with further goals from Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley.

Martinez added: “When we scored the goal Arouna Kone and Steven Pienaar were celebrating. A small amount at the back made some racial remarks.

“There is no room for that.

"It was a small minority and I hope it was an emotional reaction.

 

"It was handled in the right manner even though we should not see reactions like that. They were sensitive to it, and hurt, and fearful if the game was going to develop into a difficult afternoon, but it didn’t.

“The crowd stopped that minority from behaving in that manner. We will help the police and Carlisle that it won’t happen again.”

Cumbria police launched a probe on Sunday night.
Superintendent Justin Bibby said: “We are investigating. Hate crime will not be tolerated in this country. Any allegation will be fully investigated.”

After a fine Everton performance that sets up a last-16 tie away to Bournemouth, Martinez added: “We made it go in our favour early on. Scoring early helps.

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"We started with a very professional approach, scoring two goals early let us manage the game well. We showed a tremendous maturity which pleased me.

“The FA Cup throws up difficult games. But we have competed well in the domestic cups this season.

"We got to a semi [in the Capital One Cup ] and were not ready to go through. We need to learn and go better, and progress and today we displayed that intent and professionalism."

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