Tuesday 17 March 2015 16:11, UK
Bradford City co-chairman Mark Lawn has said the club will hand out life bans to anyone found guilty of racist abuse.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Reading's Garath McCleary during the FA Cup quarter-final replay against the Bantams at the Madejski Stadium on Monday evening.
McCleary appeared to make a complaint to the assistant referee after he went to collect the ball for a corner just before half-time.
"The club, as a whole, cannot put up with anything like this, if it's true," Lawn told Sky Sports News HQ.
"We have to wait for the judicial process to happen and, if the man gets found guilty, he will be banned - and that probably will be for life. That decision can only be made after consultation with the club's board.
"I think we have to send out a message among football that this is unacceptable. And even if it is just one incident, we've got to stamp it out."
Thames Valley Police issued a statement on Tuesday morning confirming that a 36-year-old man from Bradford had been arrested on suspicion “of indecent/racial chanting at a designated football match” and bailed until April 16.
Jamaica international McCleary had provided the assist for Hal Robson-Kanu's opener for the Royals before scoring a deflected second as Reading clinched a 3-0 win to set up a semi-final against holders Arsenal.
Reading boss Steve Clarke said after the game that he was aware that McCleary was "upset by something" although he had no further information at that time.
Kick It Out’s Football League Clubs development officer Rishi Jain said the organisation is satisfied with how the incident has been dealt with so far.
“We commend the swift action taken by all parties concerned," he said.
“We must praise Garath for immediately reporting the incident, the match officials for their speedy response in relaying the relevant information to Reading’s stadium security staff, and the subsequent action taken by the club and the police to detain the perpetrator.
“We hope Garath’s actions will increase confidence amongst players to register complaints when they are the victim of discrimination during a match."
Reading fans are also under the spotlight for invading the pitch at the full-time whistle, while a number lit flares – one of which was thrown into the away end.
The Football Association will speak to both clubs to ask for their observations.
