A MAN arrested for alleged racial abuse of Reading’s Garath McCleary in Monday’s night’s FA Cup replay with Bradford faces a lifetime ban from City games, chairman Mark Lawn said yesterday.

McCleary, who made Reading’s opening goal and scored the second in their 3-0 quarter-final replay win at the Madejski Stadium, was targeted when he later took a corner and the winger reported the incident to match officials shortly before half-time.

“I heard about that and when we find out who it was we will take action,” Lawn said.

“I understand the police are prosecuting so we can’t do anything at this stage, but if that person is found guilty we will take action.

“There is no place for that in the game, it is unacceptable.

“I would think we’re looking at a lifetime ban if he’s found guilty but that decision can only be made after consultation with the club’s board.”

Reading confirmed in a short statement after the game that the incident had been reported to the police, while Reading manager Steve Clarke said McCleary had been “upset by something.”

Later in the game a bare-chested Reading fan ran onto the pitch and was led away by match stewards after performing a series of cartwheels.

Thames Valley Police refused to comment further on individual cases but confirmed three other men from Bradford had been arrested, plus a 20-year-old man from Wokingham.

Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out officer Rishi Jain said: “We commend the swift action taken by all parties concerned to help identify, arrest and eject a Bradford City supporter from the Madejski Stadium after they allegedly racially abused Reading winger Garath McCleary.

“We must praise Garath for immediately reporting the incident, the match officials for their speedy response in relaying the relevant information to Reading’s stadium security staff, and the subsequent action taken by the club and the police to detain the perpetrator.

“This is a clear example of why the relevant processes are in place for reporting and further proof of, when they are followed from start to finish, how effective they can be.

“We hope Garath’s actions will increase confidence amongst players to register complaints when they are the victim of discrimination during a match.”

by Our Sports Desk