Brian Barry-Murphy hails Cardiff response to alleged racist abuse of Lincoln captain

Cardiff manager Brian Barry-Murphy has said the issue of racism is particularly personal to him because his wife is black and his kids are mixed-race. Pic: Dan Istitene/Getty

Cardiff City head coach Barry-Murphy has praised the club’s response after a supporter allegedly made a racist gesture during last weekend’s League One loss to Lincoln City.

Lincoln manager Michael Skubala said there had been “allegations of racist comments” directed at their captain Tendayi Darikwa during the game in the Welsh capital. 

After investigating, Cardiff released a statement saying they were “disgusted” by the individual’s “repugnant behaviour” and reiterated their “zero-tolerance approach" to racism and all forms of discrimination.

“I was very pleased with the statement that we put out. It was so strong in the word,” Barry-Murphy said.

“Rather than just condemn it and say something's going to happen, to see something actually happen is very important from my point of view.” 

Cardiff have confirmed that a person has since turned themselves in to the club and the matter has been referred to police.

Barry-Murphy said the issue is particularly personal to him.

“My wife is black, my children are mixed race. So it's something that is very much at the front of my mind,” he said.

“We have so many black and mixed race players in our academy and in our team and it's not acceptable to see it anywhere in society or in any football stadium.

“And the fact that it's a player from another team doesn't mean that we can accept it or tolerate it. I'm really pleased that the club are going to deal with it in the strongest possible manner and that the player is OK.” 

The match was briefly halted after Rob Street scored Lincoln’s opening goal, with referee Tom Reeves speaking to both benches. Lincoln went on to win 2-0 and move above Cardiff to the top of the League One table.

Barry-Murphy also revealed that Cardiff academy players recently experienced racist abuse during a trip to Barcelona.

“Our supporters are incredible and for this to happen in our stadium I think is not reflective of them, but the person who did this obviously needs educating on the effects this can have on the person that he does it to and also the people who witness it,” he said.