Reading’s Garath McClearly allegedly racially abused by fan

The Reading winger Garath McCleary was allegedly racially abused by a supporter during Monday night's FA Cup replay at the Madejski Stadium, with an individual arrested and removed from the stadium during half-time.

McCleary, who scored the second of Reading's three goals during a convincing 3-0 victory, complained to an assistant following an incident five minutes before half-time. The information was then passed on to the game's fourth official, Andre Marriner, who relayed the complaint to a Reading security official.

McCleary was preparing to take a corner in front of the Bradford City supporters when the alleged abuse occurred. A Reading spokesman said: “An incident was reported to the match officials just before half time, who in turn told Reading staff. A man was then arrested and ejected during the half-time interval.”

The Reading manager, Steve Clarke, did not know the details when questioned after the match, although he was aware an incident had taken place.

(Guardian service)