Tim Patten

I have debated posting this publicly, but it feels like the right thing to do. Prior to kick-off between Reading FC and Leyton Orient, I was racially abused by football fans outside the SCL. It's unclear whether it was a home or an away fan. I was chatting to a Reading fan when the incident happened, and he promptly went to patrolling police officers to report the incident. The officers made sure I was alright and said that they would investigate the matter. After a week where the Premier League has been campaigning about kicking racism out of football, it feels like there is still a lot to be done. Especially when the abuse comes whilst just doing your job. I want to thank my editors who made sure I was alright and safe, @ReadingFC for how they handled the situation and furthermore escalated the matter with their safeguarding team and also Thames Valley Police for how they handled it. Also to the fan, who when he saw me in shock at what I heard, took action and made sure I was okay. I love what I do and my skin colour should not become a target of abuse whilst I cover the sport that I love.