Both Reading and Bristol Rovers have condemned the racist abuse aimed at striker Shaq Forde following Saturday’s fixture.

The Royals won the contest 1-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium thanks to Sam Smith’s strike in the 66th minute.

However, videos emerged on social media of ugly scenes between supporters of both sets after the match had ended.

This includes several fights at Reading Station.

In addition to the brawl, Forde, who only joined Rovers in the summer from Watford, was subjected to a racially motivated message via Instagram, which has been reported to the authorities.

A screenshot of the message has also circulated across several platforms.

This was after Forde was given a red card in the defeat against Reading, with his second yellow being shown for needlessly kicking the ball away on 55 minutes.

In a statement that was published today [October 27], Rovers said: “Bristol Rovers is infuriated by racist abuse directed at Shaq Forde in the aftermath of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One match at Reading.

“Shortly after the match an account on Instagram messaged Shaq, the contents of which contained abusive and racist language. 

“Shaq and several other Bristol Rovers players reported the abuse to us and we, in turn, will assist the Police and Meta in their respective investigations. 

“We will always, unequivocally, stand side-by-side with any victim of discriminatory abuse.

“Shaq is not the only Bristol Rovers player to receive racial abuse, with an incident under investigation only last week.

“Even more sickening is that some of these messages come from individuals claiming to be Bristol Rovers supporters.

“But what is becoming increasingly clear is the same old methods of ‘combating’ racism - the carefully-crafted press releases and saturated social media posts - simply are not working.

“Enough is Enough.”

Reading also issued a statement on the same day.

It reads: “Reading Football Club strongly condemns the racist abuse sent to Bristol Rovers player Shaq Forde in the aftermath of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One match between the two clubs. 

“The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discrimination, and we will work alongside Saturday's visitors to ensure the perpetrator is identified and evidence is provided to the relevant authorities.

“Finally, Reading Football Club would like to pass our support onto Shaq.

“No individual, whether on or off the pitch, should be subjected to such abuse.

“We stand by you Shaq.”