Hereford FC responds to racist chanting allegations at Merthyr match
Club Chairman expresses shame at fans’ behaviour as police begin investigation
The chairman of Hereford FC has released a statement in response to allegations of racist chanting by some fans during a recent match against Merthyr Town.
Chris Ammonds addressed the claims raised by lifelong Hereford fan KD Rai, who reportedly contacted the club about chants he heard during the game. Rai later shared an open letter on social media, detailing his experience and feelings about the incident.
“When KD reached out to the club privately via email to report the chant he heard at Merthyr, everyone here who was sighted on the message was devastated,” Ammonds said in his statement.
He explained his personal conversations with Rai made the gravity of the incident clear, and he firmly condemned the behaviour.
“I need to be careful what I say because these chants are being investigated by the police with the club’s full support following reports from other fans too. However, I want to state categorically that everyone at Hereford FC stands alongside KD and that we will continue to do all we can to support him. Chants of this nature have no place in our society at any time.”
Ammonds also reminded supporters of their prior unified stance against racism following an incident earlier in the season at Sporting Khalsa. He expressed his hope that Hereford fans would again stand against the individuals responsible for the chanting at Merthyr.
“I hope supporters join me in stating that anyone who joined in with this chant at Merthyr is not welcome at our club,” Ammonds said.
Police have begun investigating the claims, with the full cooperation of Hereford FC. Ammonds promised robust action if necessary and vowed the incident would not define the club.
“At Hereford FC we pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome to everyone, and we will continue to do that moving forward.”