Bristol Rovers supporters unite to tackle racism in stands

Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor said it will be a moment of "togetherness" on Saturday as fans plan to hold up a flag in support of players who have suffered racist abuse.

Last month the club said they were "infuriated" by racist abuse sent to forward Shaq Forde following his sending off in their defeat at Reading.

A crowdfunder was set up by the GasCast fan podcast to purchase two flags to go on display at the Memorial Ground representing fans' commitment to diversity and inclusion.

"I'm delighted, I'm really pleased in relation to that and I know the players will be as well," Taylor told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It'll be a moment for connection, togetherness, solidarity everything you need at a football club in terms of supporting each other and it means the most to this group of players."

Forde is available for Rovers' game on Saturday at home to Lincoln City after serving a one-game ban for the sending off.

Taylor said there had been cases of racist abuse directed towards more of his squad than are public knowledge and that can leave players feeling "alone".

"It's hit the players quite hard, not just the ones who have been directly involved, so any form of support, verbally and visibly, from our fanbase will mean an awful lot," he added.

"It will mean a lot to me, the staff, the club, especially the players and for those players to see and hear and witness that this weekend will be a big moment for them.

"Sometimes they an feel alone - not in terms of playing football but in terms of the discrimination and some of the racist abuse that they've received. That's not just a handle against our fans, but they're our players and we have to support them in any way we possibly can."