Wednesday shame as supporters boo racism victim Palmer

DJEIDI GASSAMA hit a dramatic late equaliser to deny Coventry victory on a night when Kasey Palmer was booed by a section of home fans. Mark Robins’ Sky Blues were on course for a third win over Sheffield Wednesday this season after debutant Victor Torp’s spectacular shot from nearly 30 yards on the stroke of half-time. Yet the Owls were not to be denied and levelled in the 85th minute through Gassama. Coventry winger Palmer was the victim of racist abuse during his team’s 2-1 Championship victory at Hillsborough last Saturday. Images showed a member of the crowd making gestures at the former Chelsea trainee. There were unpleasant jeers from the home stands last night, even if there was nothing more sinister. There were huge ironic cheers from Wednesday fans when Palmer blasted wildly over during the first half. The 27-year-old was then booked in the second half and replaced in the 63rd minute, to rapturous applause from the 4,000-strong visiting contingent and more jeers from home fans. The Owls condemned last Saturday’s incident and issued a video showing their commitment to rooting out racism. Both teams made a show of unity before kick-off, Coventry players taking the knee and the Wednesday team standing together. But the taking of the knee was greeted with a smattering of boos from the home stands. Coventry fans hit back with ‘you racist b ****** s, you know what you are’. After an evenly-contested first half, the Sky Blues led on the stroke of half-time through the brilliance Torp. The 24-year-old Dane collected the ball around 30 yards from goal and unleashed a brilliant right-footed shot which flew into the top corner, giving 18-year-old debutant keeper Pierce Charles no chance. Shortly after the restart, Palmer was booked for scything down Momo Diaby and Wednesday went close when Ike Ugbo hit the outside of a post, before Gassama levelled to leave the teams needing a replay.