Forest Green Rovers boss Robbie Savage has condemned what he described as “vile and unacceptable” abuse directed at him during his side’s clash at Carlisle United.
In a pulsating top-of-the-table clash at Brunton Park, Carlisle United produced a late surge to claim a 4–2 victory, leaving Rovers to reflect on a magnificent display that merited greater reward.
Savage said while he’s happy to take good-natured banter, some of the comments from sections of the Carlisle crowd went far beyond what should be tolerated.
“When they’re singing songs about me, I’ve got no problem. But when it crosses the line, when it becomes nasty, and some of the stuff said is wrong — what’s done about it? Nothing.
Watch Robbie Savage’s evocative post-match interview here
“So I’ll continue to stand there and take that abuse, because I’m expected to, because it’s me. And it’s not acceptable.”
Savage said he is used to taking criticism but believes the personal nature of some remarks went beyond what should be tolerated in football.
“I don’t think it’s acceptable, but nothing’s ever done. And this is not me talking as somebody who’s just lost the game — but nothing’s done. Nothing’s ever done about it. It’ll just be brushed over again.”
Savage insisted he can handle fans’ songs or playful jeers — but drew the line at personal insults and targeted abuse.
“When they’re singing songs about me as an individual, I’ve got no problem,” he continued. “That’s part of football. But when it crosses the line, when it becomes nasty, and some of the stuff said is just wrong — what’s done about it?
“It’ll be talked about for a few days, and then nothing happens. It’s vile, vile comments.”
Savage also revealed what had transpired in the technical area during the match: “Members of their staff were berating me — and I can take it — but when you give a bit back, it suddenly becomes a different story. I’m so proud of the way my staff conduct themselves. Mark (Hughes) knows, deep down, they got away with one tonight. I’d love to face Carlisle at Wembley if we don’t go up automatically.”
Rovers were missing a number of their big- hitters with Tre Pemberton suspended, Kyle McAllister, Kairo Mitchell and Abraham Kanu all injured. Savage gave a debut to Temi Babalola signed on Friday from National League South side Worthing for an undisclosed fee.
Regan Linney put the home side ahead in the 18th minute, only for Jayden Clarke to equalise for Forest Green shortly after. Linney restored Carlisle’s lead just before half-time. However, Harvey Bunker’s early second-half strike drew the visitors level once again.
The match turned decisively in Carlisle’s favour after defender Laurent Mendy was sent off for a second yellow card in the 63rd minute. Substitute Harvey Macadam scored the winner in the 85th minute and Georgie Kelly sealed the victory with a penalty in injury time.
Savage praised his players’ performance: “Our players were magnificent and we dominated. I’ve said to the lads in there — as long as you give me everything, work hard, be brave, and stay positive, I’ll defend you every single time,” he said.
“We took the game to them and created numerous chances. They scored against the run of play because of our mistakes. The three midfielders aged 19, 19, and 22. Their manager mentioned the budget in an interview—come on, they’re better than that. We’ve got a dynamic young side, average age 23.9, and we’ve taken 33 percent of the staff budget from the starting eleven. The game hinged on four mistakes leading to four goals, but I’m so proud of my team.”
“The nation watching that on DAZN has seen a team that plays with energy and desire—they replicate me. Our fans were magnificent, and Mark will be absolutely delighted with that win because he knows even at ten men we were the better side. Yes, the sending off killed the game, but I’m not going to have a go at Mendy because he’s been magnificent.”
“If you make mistakes, fine. Isaac’s (Moore) isn’t trying to mis control a ball, Doidgey (Christian Doidge) isn’t trying to misplace a pass, Tom Knowles isn’t trying to do that. Jordy (Jordan Moore-Taylor) feels he’s getting pulled, so he pulls him. Nobody means to make mistakes. That’s football. What matters is that we keep learning, keep being brave.
“I’m proud of my players tonight. They were brave, they tried to do the right things. We’ll make mistakes — but we’ll do it playing our way.”
“They’ve got the three points and some outstanding players,” he admitted. “But on that performance, we can win this league. Will we? It’s a big question — but if we play like that every week, we’ll be there or thereabouts.”
Carlisle United: Breeze, Davies, Harper, Feeney, Hayden, Grant (Ellis 59), Gilliead (Macadam 59), Williams, Conn-Clarke (Jones 59), Linney (Armstrong 90), Kelly.
Not used: Lewis, Ajiboye, Whelan.
Goals: Linney 18, 45; Macadam 85, Kelly 90pen.
Booked: Kelly, Conn-Clarke, Gilliead, Hayden, Hughes (head coach).
Forest Green: McNicholas, Kengni, Inniss, Mendy, Bunker, Knowles, Clarke (Long 73), Whitwell, Moore (Moore-Taylor 66), Buyabu (Bamba 83), Babolola (Doidge 83).
Not used: Fiachra, Haughton, Balagizi.
Goals: Clarke 26, Bunker 53.
Booked: Babolola, Mendy, Whitwell. Send off: Mendy.
Referee: James Oldham.
Attendance : 8,598 (124 Forest Green fans).
