Carlisle and Port Vale have been left disgusted at abusive comments and grim chants aimed at Connor Ripley mid-game on New Year’s Day.
The incident took place in the second half of the Cumbrians’ 2-1 victory at Brunton Park, with Jordan Gibson (80′ pen) and Jon Mellish (90+3) snatching all three points for the hosts.
The abuse came from a ‘fan’ in the Warwick Road End, with Carlisle doing everything they can identify who was responsible and take action against them.
Connor Ripley (@ripley_connor) said via social media: “Really disappointed about the result yesterday against Carlisle but one thing that has stood out to me more than anything yesterday is what was being said to me behind the goal by a couple Carlisle fans!
“I don’t mind people saying stuff to me normally and i will always give a bit back cause that’s who I am but in all my years playing football I’ve never had anyone tell me “go and hang yourself”.
“I think it’s disgusting and because I play for a different team to them they think they can say stuff like that whilst I am working!
“You don’t know what I’m going through and you don’t know if that could have had a serious effect on me.
“Maybe people just need to think that we’re just normal people with family and friends 💁🏼♂️
“Anyway thank you to the Carlisle fans that have messaged me about it I appreciate it! 👍🏼”
He then added: “I just want to say thank you for all the support that everyone has given me!
“@officialcufc have been great with me and want to thank them for getting in touch with me and personally apologising!
“I understand it’s a small minority and the Carlisle fans have shown that by the messages I’ve received!
“I can take banter and abuse better than most and like most of you’ve said I’ll give it back but this was too far!
“We are human beings that are doing a job and shouldn’t receive that kind of abuse. Thank you once again ❤️”
Really disappointed about the result yesterday against Carlisle but one thing that has stood out to me more than anything yesterday is what was being said to me behind the goal by a couple Carlisle fans! I don’t mind people saying stuff to me normally and i will always give a bit… pic.twitter.com/DbMqz1oo6w
— Connor Ripley (@ripley_connor) January 2, 2024
CARLISLE STATEMENT:
We have become aware of disgraceful comments aimed at Port Vale ‘keeper Connor Ripley from a ‘fan’ in the Warwick Road End during the second half yesterday. We sincerely apologise to Connor and Port Vale.
The abuse he received was totally unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest terms.
The young person making the comments does not represent our fans or what we were stand for as a club.
These comments embarrass and shame us all. Sorry Connor, and sorry to Port Vale.
We are working with the police to identify who was responsible and will act in the strongest possible manner.
Anyone who has information should please contact the club at the earliest opportunity via enquiries@carlisleunited.co.uk, or contact Cumbria Police.
CEO Nigel Clibbens said: “I was made aware of this tonight. I asked Paul Simpson to get me Connor’s number so I could speak to him straight away. “
I spoke to him earlier tonight and apologised personally on behalf of the club.
“He was very understandably still angry and upset. No player deserves that abuse and we are truly sorry he suffered it.
“He was able to give information about the incident and it was clearly prolonged abuse. I said that we do not tolerate this and will do our best to deal with it.
“We will do all we can to identify the culprit and take the strongest action we can. Fans close by will know who it was and I hope they will help as they have done in the past, by giving information.
“Everyone knows the Warwick Road End has seen really positive developments in terms of atmosphere but it continues to see regular incidents of disorder and now abuse. It’s extraordinarily disappointing.
“We appeal to fans to stop and behave. This cannot go on.”
We are working with the police to identify who was responsible and will act in the strongest possible manner.
Anyone who has information should please contact the club at the earliest opportunity via enquiries@carlisleunited.co.uk, or contact Cumbria Police.
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) January 2, 2024
PORT VALE STATEMENT:
“The club are aware of the comments and chants made towards Connor during yesterday’s League One match.
“The incident has been reported to Carlisle United as well as our dedicated police officer who will now work to identify the individual.
“Connor has received an apology from Paul Simpson on behalf of Carlisle United Football Club.
“We would also like to echo Connor’s statement in which he thanked fans of both clubs for their support following the incident.
“Abuse of any kind has no place in sport, if you see or hear anything you deem as unacceptable, please report it.”
Twitter users gave their reaction with Carlisle and Port Vale disgusted at abusive comments and grim chants aimed at Connor Ripley…
@CUFCalways: Cannot apologise enough for the abuse you suffered at our ground! These morons don’t even deserve to be called fans of our club, no one deserves that ever and I whole heartedly send my apologies again. Good luck for the rest of the season 💙
@JRBulman: I think I speak for all right thinking Carlisle (& fans in general) that this is horrific & doesn’t reflect the overall attitude of Carlisle fans. We seem to have a very small minority who stand behind the goal and cause a whole host of problems for the club. All the best
@BRFCJohn: You’ve always been great with the Bristol Rovers fans!
@fishingnotwork: Recall your banter with @itfc a season or two back. Lots of humour back and forth and applause by us at the end for your smile and waves to us. No place for this 💩ever. Well done for highlighting it 👏 all the best rest of the season Connor 💙
@fish_blues: Awful Connor, sorry to hear that. Hope those that said it are banned for life. They don’t represent Carlisle United at all and aren’t welcome at the club.
@Respecthecake: Your banter with Bristol Rovers fans is always tremendous. We could do with an experienced stopper btw
@stuferg1990: Appalling and doesn’t resonate with 99% of us cufc. Remember a couple yrs ago at a Morecambe friendly giving you some banter singing theirs “only one Stuart Ripley” and “you’ll never be your father”. All taken in good jest with humour back and forth. Class act. sorry for the few
@valiantchicken: Seen quite a few comments about it n tbf the Carlisle fans who were in “the warwick “ have all said how disgusted by the minority of little sniffers who were saying that. probs the same 3 or 4 who come past our away coaches giving it Bertie n ran off when confronted.
@rocknrolo: Sorry you had to hear trash like that, young ones trying to be macho who wouldn’t dare say anything like that to you face to face. Apologies from a Carlisle United supporter.
@HannahHiles: I think some people have lost all sense of self-control. The amount of abusive comments I and my (now former) colleagues often get is ridiculous. I don’t know why people think they can say whatever they please. The world would be so much better if people were nicer to each other.
@ftblwirtz: Seem like a good lad, heard you making a funny comment back to the fans throwing stuff which is what it’s all about. Shame that a few have to take it a step too far
@Slice1919: Yeah we are not all like that…… don’t get me wrong, having banter with an away goalkeeper behind the home end goal is one of the best bits of football. You take the piss and they give you a nudge back. But there is a line and that’s wayyyyyy over. Hope you are ok.
@Bluebolero: Just not on. Thanks for speaking out Connor, we need to get a grip on this @officialcufc
@JackHall7362: Well done on calling that out Connor. We’ve given you a lot of hammer over the past 18 months when you were at Morecambe and now Port Vale, including Boxing Day. Always given it back and taken quite lightly. Look after yourself
@FlossyMcphee: Connor stay strong. You’re a great lad and us boro love ya really. Enjoyed the banter at the cup game, you know we’ve got your back. Your still one of our own UTB
@CU04_YOUTUBE: Disgusting and disappointing behaviour, I think I speak for all blues fan when I said that, Hope you’re alright and best of luck for the rest of the season 💙
@topsandollie: Well done for calling it out. These so called fans are completely out of order and the vast majority of us will be horrified at this. Sorry this happened to you
@j_michaelb: Another @officialcufc fan here, adding my condemnation of these goons & support for you, Connor. Best of luck for the rest of the season – Port Vale’s a grand club & I love an away day there. Hope we’ll still be playing you next season!
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