Josh Magennis: Exeter offers support after attacker reports ‘racist abuse’

Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell has said the club will support Josh Magennis after he was allegedly the victim of racist violence from Bolton Wanderers fans.

Saturday’s match was briefly abandoned 10 minutes from time after the Northern Ireland striker reported the incident to the referee.

As Bolton equalized two minutes from time, a warning against discriminatory abuse was announced over the stadium’s public address system.

The Trotters scored a late goal to win 2-1 at St James Park.

“If Josh feels the need to go and tell the referee, then obviously that’s what happened,” Caldwell told BBC Radio Devon.

“It’s something we don’t want in the game and we don’t want in society, so it was bitterly disappointing.

“Fair play to Josh for bringing this to the referee’s attention and we will support him as a football club in whatever we need to do about it.”

Caldwell said the stoppage of play to resolve the allegations – the referee had to report the incident to a fourth official – should not have affected the outcome of the match.

“There has been a break in the race, but we should still be ready for whatever comes next and stay focused,” he added.

“The biggest disappointment was the change in our play, probably after the goal.

“It was similar on Wednesday (2-1 defeat to Wycombe) and on Thursday we showed the players that we have to remain ourselves.

“We have to play the same way that got us into these positions, we have to stick to it, even in difficult moments, when the pressure is mounting, it is late in the game, our identity and the way we play will be what will set us apart and ensure the success we we want this season.”