Official club statement
Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that the club was made aware on Sunday afternoon that an alleged racist incident occurred following the goal scored by Arouna Kone in the fourth round Emirates FA Cup tie against Everton, held at Brunton Park.
Media officer Andy Hall said: “As we understand it, the match officials were notified that Everton players had heard or witnessed abuse of a racist nature immediately after they had scored the first goal.
“An investigation has been launched, in-line with the relevant authorities. If it is found to be the case, and we identify those responsible, we will deal with it in an extremely robust manner.
“We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment at Brunton Park and those efforts were doubled when we came under the spotlight, nationally and internationally, in the wake of the recent floods. Carlisle United has grown in stature as a football club because of the way we have conducted ourselves, on and off the pitch, and we will not allow our reputation to be tarnished in any way.
“It would be wrong of us to comment further on the incident at this stage as we allow the authorities to continue to carry out their investigations.”
