Exeter City say they will offer support to Josh Magennis after alleged ‘racist abuse’ from Bolton fans was reported on Saturday afternoon.
The League One fixture ended up being temporarily halted with 10 minutes left of the game, after the Magennis reported the incident to the referee.
An announcement could be heard over the stadium’s public address system warning against discriminatory abuse just as Bolton levelled the scoreline with two minutes remaining, heard in the highlights video.
The Trotters went on to net a late winner to clinch a 2-1 victory at St James Park.
Alleged racist comment made to Exeter City’s Josh Magennis by Bolton Wanderers fan #ecfc https://t.co/jrtNtButy2
— DevonLive ECFC (@ExEchoSport) January 4, 2025
I suspect we’ll hear more about this later today, and rightly so – but Wanderers’ win at Exeter marred by a report of racist language used towards ex-striker Josh Magennis.https://t.co/BSoBSPWSro #bwfc
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) January 5, 2025
About 800 Wanderers fans here at St James Park today. Superb. #bwfc pic.twitter.com/6fGFs5H9UE
— Marc Iles (@MarcIles) January 4, 2025
“If Josh feels the need to go and say that to the ref then it’s obviously happened,” Caldwell said on BBC Radio Devon.
“It’s something we don’t want in the game, we don’t want in society, so that was bitterly disappointing.
“Fair play to Josh for bringing it to the attention of the referee and we will support him as a football club in whatever we need to do from that.”
Caldwell added that the stoppage for the alleged abuse being dealt with, which saw the referee reporting what happened to the fourth official – should not have affected the outcome of the match.
“There was a stoppage, but we should still be ready for whatever’s coming after that and be focused,” he added.
“The big disappointment was the change in how we played, probably after the goal.
“It was similar on Wednesday [a 2-1 defeat at Wycombe] and we showed the players that on Thursday, that we have to keep being ourselves.
“We have to keep playing the same way that got us in those positions, we have to stick to that, even in difficult moments when the pressure goes up, it’s late in the game, our identity and the way we play is what’s going to set us apart and give us the success we want this season.”
“It was annoying today because I think we’re better than conceding that goal,” said Bolton boss Ian Evatt. “We had large spells of control, especially for being away from home. I thought Wednesday (at Mansfield) was pretty good, other than the result, and performances are getting slightly better.
“It was good against Lincoln as well but we have to back that up with results and I think today could be a real turning point, confidence-wise, for these players. It can be a catalyst that could be huge for us.
“This team is capable of putting wins together consistently but we’ve spoken about that too often. It can’t be tomorrow, it can’t be next week. It has to be now. We have to take responsibility today.
“It’s not necessarily about the opposition, not necessarily about the naysayers or the non-believers, so to speak. We have to take care of our own business and take responsibility for that and take ownership of that and hopefully that’s a huge turning point in making that happen.
“There’s nothing decided yet. There’s a lot of football to be played and still half a season to go. We’ve got 37 points, which is nowhere near enough for us in half a season, but we’re capable of getting a lot more in the second half of the season.
“This is a big window coming up. We need to make some changes and some improvements which we will do and keep going and keep fighting. That’s what we are. We’re fighters and we’ll keep doing the best we can for this football club.”
“These players are so resilient. They kept going and we responded well and deserved to get the win,” the manager added.
“They will be sick of the sight of Aaron. That’s two winners in four days. I thought he was excellent today. He looked fit, he looked confident, composed and having him further up late on in the game where he can use his final delivery or a shooting is really good.
“Collo has got 12 goals now for this season which is going under the radar a little bit he creates big chances and has big moments. We just need to make those more consistent.”
Twitter users gave their thoughts as Exeter say they will offer support to Josh Magennis after alleged ‘racist abuse’ from Bolton fans…
@jimbo_bwfc: do we have any idea what the kerfuffle towards the end of the Wanderers game was about with Magennis which forced the ref to stop the game? Don’t want to focus on a negative after a win, but wasn’t a great look, especially in light of #bwfc social media this weekend…
@maffoo12: Magennis was getting a load of abuse after a throw in was given, I didn’t hear anything racist, but I wouldn’t be shocked.
@Alexwrigley: I was in the seated bit where it took place. Two (grown) blokes near me had been abusing Magennis while that delay took place. Their language was disgusting but not racist. Not that it made it acceptable in any way!
@JimTheWanderer1: Disgusting if that’s the case. If true the person needs rooting out and banning, should not be associated with our club. I’m sure the club will work to do just that.
@jimbo_bwfc: not good 🫣
@HughLupus: The language at many away games is appalling and the chants are often offensive. All fans that chant offensively should grow up. Support the team. But don’t be vulgar and don’t decry the opposition fa s and team. Let’s make soccer matches a family friendly experience
@karate_kid29: There’s definitely a speech coming from Sharon this week. Wishing death on the manager followed by (allegedly) racially abusing an ex player, has put the fans at an all time low. Maybe we should all just start actually supporting the club. #bwfc
@WorrallDeb98583: I was there. No racial abuse directed at any player from the away stand. Either Magennis misheard what was said or he’s playing the victim card again. The stewards could hear what was actually said as did all supporters around and no action taken. Thanks for the 3 points Josh 😊
@Wanderers_Joker: Was in that stand. Everyone was absolutely perplexed at this. Nobody and I mean nobody in that stand heard anything that resembled any kind of racist language of abuse. If it turns out he’s made this up. Serious punishment should be given out to him
@reece_scholes: I heard nothing, and saw no commotion to suggest anything was said. He was receiving dogs abuse for 90 mins, but I highly doubt anything racial. If there was it’s a disgrace, but remember when he got upset over a song we used to sing about him.
@MickHarrison85: Several fans in that stand said there was no racist comment but if there was then im sure the club will deal with it
@DavidBe99433487: I was sat next to the guy.He called him a c*** Deffo no racist comment. Disgraceful behavior from the player.
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