Fulham Football Club has condemned the “abhorrent” racist and homophobic abuse directed at defender Calvin Bassey following their FA Cup penalty shootout victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
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Bassey, who scored Fulham’s opening goal at Old Trafford, shared examples of the offensive messages he received on social media after the match.
In a statement on Monday, Fulham expressed strong disapproval of the abuse, describing it as unacceptable in both football and society.
“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society,” the club said. “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 vowed to collaborate with relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators and take the “strongest form of action” against them.
Premier League, Anti-Discrimination Bodies React
The Premier League also responded, stating it was “appalled” by the abuse and would offer its full support to 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,” the league said in a statement.
The incident adds to a growing list of similar cases involving footballers. Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, England defender Kyle Walker, Newcastle United’s Joe Willock, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw have all been recent targets of online abuse.
Samuel Okafor, chief executive of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, recently told BBC Sport that the level of abuse in English football had “reached crisis point.”
Bassey’s Goal, Fulham’s Victory
Bassey’s goal had given Fulham the lead in the first half before Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes equalized in the second half. With the match ending 1-1 after extra time, Fulham advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals after United’s Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee missed their penalties in the shootout.
The Cottagers will now face Crystal Palace in the next round at Craven Cottage.