Iron boss Paul Hurst praises Forest Green in wake of alleged racist abuse

Posted Sunday, December 08, 2019 by PA

Scunthorpe boss Paul Hurst praised opponents Forest Green in the wake of alleged racist comments directed towards Jordan Clarke during his side’s 2-0 victory.

Referee John Busby halted the game midway through the second half and spoke to Hurst and Forest Green head coach Mark Cooper.

A minute after this, an announcement over the PA system at the stadium said that there had been reports of racist language in the East Stand.

Hurst said: “I wondered what was going on initially and then the referee came over and said the fourth official had been made aware of a racist comment towards Jordan Clarke. The referee said there was no plans to stop the game at that time.

“I mentioned about an announcement, which later followed, and helped everyone in the stadium. There was then a lot of sympathy and understanding about halting the game.

“Some of the Forest Green fans were singing towards the individual who made the comment that it is unacceptable, and we all know that.

“Forest Green have been very good after the game and reported it to the FA and if they find the individual he will be dealt with.

“Forest Green have had a lot of press for the way they do things. There is a lot of good that goes on here and I don’t think one individual reflects Forest Green. They have been excellent with their help and dealing with the situation.”

Meanwhile, Cooper declined to comment on the incident but felt his side paid for Matty Stevens’ early second-half penalty miss.

Cooper said: “We didn’t do too much wrong. We played well first half, should have been in front, we missed a penalty.

“Then we paid for that. The boys are going great we just have to keep going.

“It was a blatant penalty, he pulled him back. I can’t have too many complaints with the players.

“They have done really, really well. We are in the top three, we have to keep going.”

Rovers are without a home win in four games but still sit in the automatic promotion places.

He added: “It is frustrating but we are not going to get too uptight about it. We know there will be a win around the corner.

“The penalty changed the game but I’m not going to berate my player for missing it. He’s an honest boy who works his socks off. Fair play to the keeper for standing up.

“We are going brilliantly well, we want to continue.”

Scunthorpe stretched their winning streak to five games with sumptuous second-half strikes from Alex Gilhead and Abo Eisa. Levi Sutton was sent off in stoppage time.