Fulham faced Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw after regular time.
In the penalty shootout, Fulham emerged victorious with a 4-3 win. The team’s goal during the match was scored by Nigerian center-back Calvin Bassey.
After scoring this goal, the Super Eagles defender was subjected to racist abuse on social media. The 25-year-old player shared some of the messages he received.
Fulham issued a statement standing firmly behind their star defender:
“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.”
The club also pledged to take action against the perpetrators:
“We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.”
The Premier League also released a statement in support of the player, expressing their shock at the abuse and reaffirming their backing for both Bassey and Fulham:
“We work with social media companies and authorities to help ensure any individuals found guilty of discrimination face the strongest possible consequences.”
Recently, such incidents have become increasingly common in the Premier League.
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, and Newcastle United’s Joe Willock have all been subjected to similar racist attacks.