Carlisle United have responded to claims from Port Vale goalkeeper Connor Ripley that he received disgusting verbal abuse at Brunton Park on New Year’s Day.
Ripley had taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to describe what he’d suffered from certain fans during the 2-1 defeat at Carlisle.
United have condemned the abuse in the strongest terms and have iussued a statement on the incident.
Ripley, who has previously played for Middlesbrough, Morecambe and Preston, joined Port Vale in the summer and said that during the game he was the target for fans with some horrific comments.
Posting on X, he said: “Really disappointed about the result against Carlisle but one thing that has stood out to me more than anything 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!’
Later 30-year-old Ripley, whose father Stuart was a former Middlebrough player, said: “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.’
In an official statement Carlisle United said: “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.
“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 added: “When I was made aware of this I asked Paul Simpson to get me Connor’s number so I could speak to him straightaway. I spoke to him 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.”
