Football: McCleary abused during FA Cup win over Bradford, Reading complain

LONDON (AFP) - Reading's Jamaica international Garath McCleary was racially abused during his side's FA Cup semi-final win over Bradford City, the English Championship football club claimed.

He scored Reading's second goal in a 3-0 win in Monday's quarter-final replay at the Madejski Stadium, which set up a last-four showdown with holders Arsenal.

But he was also seen to make a complaint to the assistant referee while he took a corner shortly before half-time and Reading said he had been the target of racist abuse from third-tier Bradford's fans.

"An incident was reported to the match officials just before half-time, who in turn told Reading staff," the team said in a statement. "A man was then arrested and ejected during the half-time interval."

The game also saw a fan run onto the pitch while play was ongoing, while a number of home fans mounted a pitch invasion at the final whistle and flares were also let off.

Reading manager Steve Clarke said after the game that McCleary had been "upset by something", but he was unable to provide further details.

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