Torquay United pledge to boot out racism after Football Association ruling

Gulls fined and crackdown Action Plan agreed after former player Reuben Reid abused at Plainmoor

Torquay United's Plainmoor ground

Reporter:

jim Parker

15 Nov 2025 11:33 AM

Email:

jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk

Torquay United have emphasised there is no room for racism at Plainmoor after an FA ruling following an incident involving former Gulls striker Reuben Reid

The club has accepted an FA Regulatory Commission’s decision relating to racist behaviour by a spectator at Plainmoor in the match against Weston‑super‑Mare on April 1 last year.

The Commission has imposed a £2,500 fine and a comprehensive Action Plan that runs until the end of this season, and the club has been formally warned as to future conduct.

Reuben Reid playing for Exeter City Pic Tom Sandberg PPAUK

United say the incident occurred prior to the change in ownership to the current Bryn Consortium and TUST, but 'our responsibility to act is absolute'.

The club added: "There is no place for racism at Torquay United or anywhere in football. The individual responsible has received a lifetime ban from attending Torquay United matches at Plainmoor and as an away supporter.

"We apologise unreservedly to Weston‑super‑Mare FC and to their former player Reuben Reid for the offence and hurt caused."

During his career Reid has played for all three of Devon's professional clubs, Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay where he was loan for a short period in 2007.

Michael Westcott

United co‑chairman Michael Westcott said: "Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. If you use racist, discriminatory or abusive language or gestures, you are not a Torquay United supporter and you are not welcome at Plainmoor—not today, not ever.

"We will remove your ticket, eject you from the ground and ban you for life. We will do everything in our power to ensure players, officials and fans can enjoy football in safety and with respect – we owe that commitment to the vast majority of our fans that do the club immense credit both home and away.”

As part of the FA’s requirements, supporters will see strengthened stewarding and staff training; clear reporting routes including an anonymous text line; prominent PA, programme, poster, website and social messages.

The club added: "Recently we published our new Supporters’ Charter via our website in close collaboration with the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust, setting out unacceptable behaviour and the sanctions that follow. If you witness discrimination, report it immediately to callitout@torquayunited.com, so we can act swiftly."

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