Forest Green Rovers Manager Calls for Action Against Abuse
Forest Green Rovers manager Robbie Savage has expressed the need for stronger measures to combat the "vile abuse" he has received from opposing fans.
Following his team's 4-2 defeat at Carlisle United in the National League on Saturday, the former Wales midfielder revealed that he was subjected to comments that he deemed unacceptable.
"I can handle banter, and I have no issue when fans sing songs about me personally," Savage stated in an interview with BBC Radio Gloucestershire after the match. "However, when it crosses the line into hostility and some of the remarks become inappropriate, what action is being taken?"
He continued, "I will continue to endure this abuse because it is expected of me, but it is simply not acceptable."
Having played as a tenacious midfielder for clubs such as Leicester City and Derby County, Savage transitioned to a prominent role as a pundit after his playing career. He currently hosts the 606 phone-in show on BBC Radio 5 Live while managing Forest Green Rovers, where he is known for eliciting strong opinions from his audience.
On his 51st birthday, Savage emphasized that insufficient action is being taken against those who cross the line with personal insults. He remarked, "Stewards, volunteers, and others present at the matches seem to allow this behavior to continue unchecked. I welcome banter and have taken photos with young fans, but I am often subjected to shocking abuse from individuals of various ages, including those who may hold high positions in their professions."
He added, "These individuals believe it is acceptable to direct vile insults at another human being, which is absolutely not the case, yet no measures are taken to address it. This has been a recurring issue, as it occurred again recently at Worthing and once more today. I find this situation intolerable, but it appears nothing will change."