27 January 2024 , 11:15
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Coventry City's boss Mark Robins, has called Sheffield Wednesday fans who booed Kasey Palmer during their FA Cup match at Hillsborough "idiots" and "absolute clowns".
Djeidi Gassama's late goal earned Wednesday a replay in the fourth round after Victor Torp scored an impressive opener on his Coventry debut. Gassama's goal denied Coventry a second victory at Hillsborough within a week, following their 2-1 Championship win last Saturday. That game was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse towards Palmer.
Both clubs have condemned the alleged abuse, and a man was arrested on Thursday. However, Palmer was booed several times by some home fans during the match, which angered Robins. "The reaction was a disgrace," Robins said. "People need to have a look at themselves.
"What are they doing? It's ridiculous. It's a joke an absolute joke."
Palmer was jeered after missing a chance in the first half and was loudly booed after being booked for a challenge on Momo Diaby in the second half. He was also booed when he was substituted in the 63rd minute.
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Robins added: "We're in a game where the players work really hard, they hone their talent and come out to entertain people. It shouldn't happen.
"Kasey's a football player with family and wants to play and enjoy his football like everyone else. Then you've got these idiots, absolute clowns."
Wednesday's Ike Ugbo hit the post and just missed another chance as his team tried to score again. Young goalie Pierce Charles saved the day for his team with a great save on his first big game.
Robins said: "If you can't win, don't lose and we will have a right go (in the replay)."
Djeidi Gassama earned Sheffield Wednesday a draw (PA Wire/PA Images)Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl was happy that his team stopped losing after two bad games. He said they showed everyone how serious they are about stopping racism last week.
When asked about the booing, he mentioned: "It was more important we showed last week, a clear direction from everybody, my team, from the fans, from the club side and I think the statement showed what we think about such situations.
"We cannot accept this, we will not accept this. If we see something or hear something, I think then we have to take responsibility of course. Everybody is involved and has to do something.
"But today for me it was a normal emotional football game, some hard duels about the ball, some reactions and this is football, hopefully the normal football we want."
Anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out issued a statement after the match which read: "Kick It Out was dismayed to hear some Sheffield Wednesday fans booing Kasey Palmer during the FA Cup tie against Coventry City at Hillsborough on Friday night.
"Kasey was racially abused at the same venue last weekend, and yet some fans also chose to start the game by booing Coventry City‘s players taking the knee. This showed a lack of understanding towards what was clearly an anti-racism gesture.
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"Although it was only a minority of fans, to follow that up by targeting Kasey again showed a complete disregard for what he’s been through. Sheffield Wednesday have taken positive steps to show they are tackling racism this week, but this episode underlines how more education is needed with some of their fanbase."
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