Reading goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi and suspected case of racist abuse

The Reading Chronicle reports on an expected announcement by Reading Football Club in connection with allegations of racist abuse directed at the club’s goalkeeper, Ali Al-Habsi, during a football match on Tuesday night.

Reading FC were defeated 2-0 at the away game with Arsenal on Tuesday.

The local paper reports on social media postings which suggested Al-Habsi was subjected to “racist chants” by fans.

The newspaper states Reading FC have yet to confirm the allegations but it is expected the club will make an announcement about probable action against the fans responsible for the abuse.

The Reading Chronicle notes information that has come to its attention suggesting “Fans who shouted racist chants towards Reading FC goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi are set to face hefty punishment from the club.”

Ali Al-Habsi is an Omani national who plays for Reading and captains Oman’s national team. It is not the first time the Muslim footballer has faced racist abuse on the field.

Last year, pensioner Jack Aldis sought to have a sentence overturned after being convicted of using racially aggravated threatening words or behaviour during a match between Wigan Athletic and Burnley in April 2014. Al-Habsi, one of those taunted by Aldis, was goalkeeper for Wigan at the time. Aldis launched an appeal against his sentence in June 2015 but failed. Aldis was also banned by Burnley FC following the criminal trial.