Football fan racism probe ends with no arrests

A police force's investigation into alleged racist abuse by a Reading fan has concluded without any arrests or prosecutions.

The Royals' League One match at Exeter City on 11 October was stopped mid-way through the second half after a report that an Exeter player had been racially abused.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers reviewed CCTV footage and spoke to stewards and Exeter players.

A force spokesperson said: "None of those spoken to heard any racial abuse or were able to assist the investigation."

In October, Reading said it had a "zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination".

While Exeter said on Thursday that it treated allegations of racist abuse "with the utmost importance".

The police spokesperson said officers sought to speak to two X users who had responded to an appeal run by Exeter but, despite its "best efforts", it was "unable to identify contact details for them".

"At this time all enquiries have been exhausted but should further information be reported, it will be investigated," they said.

An Exeter spokesperson said: "We are grateful to Devon and Cornwall Police for their investigation into this matter.

"Although the outcome was not what we had hoped for, we are pleased that the issue was handled appropriately and examined thoroughly.

"Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable in society and in football. As a club, we will continue to work to remove it from the game.

"We remain fully committed to ensuring that St James Park is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for everyone."