Keith Hackett appalled as FA Cup clash abandoned over shocking racism allegations
Keith Hackett has delivered his opinion on the terrible alleged incident of racism suffered by a Sporting Khalsa player.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider his thoughts on the horrendous racism allegations in an FA Cup tie.
Despite the Kick It Out campaign, racism disappointingly remains rife in the modern game of football.
At the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Antoine Semenyo suffered racial abuse in Bournemouth’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
Semenyo issued a strong message after the Liverpool vs Bournemouth match, highlighting that much more needs to be done to remove racism from football as another player suffered abuse this weekend (13 September).
Sporting Khalsa disgusted by the alleged racist audible as Keith Hackett details next steps
Northern Premier League Division One West side Sporting Khalsa went up against National League outfit Hereford in the qualification rounds of the FA Cup.
However, the fixture was abandoned in the 67th minute after the Khalsa goalkeeper Ravan Constable was the target of alleged racist abuse.
Following the incident and the crowd disorder that ensued, the referee decided to abandon the game as an investigation has now begun.
No room for racism in modern football as match officials introduce ‘last resort action’
With yet another saddening incident of alleged racism, Hackett was appalled by the way the game ended as he touched on how the match was will be approached moving forward.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider the former referee said: “It is always sad and disappointing that a game that all participants were looking forward to all week has to be abandoned by the match referee.
“This last resort action will have been given careful consideration by the Referee, his colleagues and officials of both teams.
“Security I expect to have also been in attendance. The referee appears to have gone through a step process initially warning the spectators about their behaviour.
“Sporting Khalsa have invested heavily when purchasing the ground. The situation will be discussed by the Football Association who of course administer the competition.
“A speedy conclusion will be the aim. It is likely that the game will be replayed at a date convenient to both teams.
“If schedule allows the same match officials will be appointed.”