Matt Taylor expresses gratitude for Bristol Rovers fan inititative set to take place pre-Lincoln

Matt Taylor has expressed gratitude to Bristol Rovers supporters who have arranged for a flag to be displayed ahead of the Gas' League One game with Lincoln City this weekend to show unity with players who have been subject to racist abuse and discrimination in recent weeks.

The team behind the popular Rovers podcast 'GasCast' came up with the fantastic initiative on the back of the racist abuse received by Shaq Forde following his red card in the 1-0 defeat at Reading almost a fortnight ago.

Forde shared screenshots of despicable messages received that evening on his Instagram story with the Gas also releasing a strong statement in response.

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Unfortunately, there have been other cases of Rovers players being subject to similar abuse and discrimination this season and supporters have united to raise funds for a display to be shown ahead of Saturday's game against Lincoln that reads: "Gasheads against racisim" and "One club many cultures, stand strong against racism."

In response to the initiative, Taylor expressed his delight, saying: "Fantastic. I was so happy when I heard that news and that that idea was mooted. Listen, the players have been through it a little bit. The Bristol Rovers name has been dragged through the mud to a certain extent in terms of what's happened recently and there's been more, other than the Shaq one, which is probably public knowledge.

"It's hit the players quite hard, not just the ones who've been directly involved. So any form of support, verbally or visibly, certainly from our fan base would mean an awful lot.

"It would mean a lot to me, the staff, the club, especially the players and for those players to see and witness and hear that this weekend will be a big moment for them because sometimes they can feel alone, not in terms of playing football, but certainly in terms of the discrimination and some of the racist abuse that they've received. And that's not just to handle against our fans but they're our players and we have to support them in any way we possibly can.

"So, yeah, I'm delighted," the Rovers manager added. "I'm really pleased in relation to that. I'm grateful. I know the players will be as well and it'll be a moment for togetherness, connection, solidarity. Everything you need as a football club in terms of supporting each other.

"Like I say, it means the most to this group of players. I just hope that they put on a performance which shows that and we can get some good footage, good pictures, some good moments of the players and fans interacting together."

Donations towards the project can be made ahead of the game on Saturday by clicking HERE and any excess funds will be sent to SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality)

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