FA asks Reading for observations on Nick Blackman abuse
Thursday 27 August 2015 17:09, UK
Reading have been asked by the Football Association for their "observations" on the abuse suffered by forward Nick Blackman during Tuesday night's Capital One Cup win over Portsmouth.
Blackman scored the Royals' 64th-minute equaliser in the tie at Fratton Park - but not before reporting an incident of crowd abuse to the referee during the first half.
A statement on Reading's official website, read: "Reading Football Club can confirm that the Football Association contacted us this morning requesting our comments and observations regarding an incident in the crowd at Fratton Park last night.
"The incident was immediately reported to referee Gavin Ward by Royals forward Nick Blackman during the first half of yesterday evening's Capital One Cup win over Portsmouth.
"The club will now liaise further with the FA and offer the relevant authorities all the help we can provide on this matter."
Assistant manager Kevin Keen refused after the match to discuss the exact nature of the abuse but praised Blackman for his response.
Keen said: "Credit to Nick because there were a couple of incidents in the first half with the crowd.
"For that to happen to Nick and for him to come through and respond in the right manner by scoring a goal that puts us on the way to a good win shows what sort a person he is."
Garath McCleary's goal six minutes from time earned Reading a 2-1 win after Blackman had cancelled out Pompey youngster Conor Chaplin's opener.
