Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has condemned further disgraceful chants at the football ground after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Reading, in which allegations of racist abuse towards Greek players were witnessed by visiting supporters. The League One encounter at St James’s Park was stopped in the 74th minute by referee James Durkin, who consulted with both managers and the captain along with the stewards.
An announcement then echoed throughout the stadium confirming that an incident of discriminatory abuse had occurred. This was followed by a warning that the match would be canceled if further accidents occurred. After the final whistle, Caldwell confirmed that the abuse was from the away section.
This is the second such incident in three home matches involving visiting supporters, after the EFL Trophy match against Cardiff City was interrupted due to racist chants by Cardiff fans.
He said the incident was “a case of racism from Reading’s side towards the team’s players.”
“That will be dealt with by the referee and they are sorting everything out now.
“But too many matches have been stopped due to unacceptable chants or unacceptable behavior and we hope we can eliminate that.
“This is not a football problem, it’s a societal problem. It’s happened in other sports, in other places, and it’s unbelievable that it’s still happening in 2025. I hope the football authorities do something to change this situation.”
“There are thousands of people, but in my opinion, if we can identify who the culprits are, they should not be allowed into football stadiums again. We must strive to make the punishments fit the crime and, in my opinion, there must be zero tolerance for it.”
On the pitch, the match ended 1-1 after the restart, with Exeter moving up to 16th place, but still two points clear of the relegation zone.
After just six minutes, the first point on the plate was passed and Reading took the lead.
Jonley Ifeko’s header towards Joe Whitworth was a huge miss, allowing Jack Marriott the easiest of tap-ins.
However, Jaden Wareham, facing his former employer, was quickest to react inside the six-yard area and slot home his third of the season from close range, and Exeter responded and leveled the score almost instantly.
Pearce Sweeney and Reece Cole had great chances to put the Greeks in front, while Marriott also wasted a golden chance for the visitors as chances went up either flank.
However, neither team was able to find a decisive goal and the contest ended in glory even at St James’s Park.
