Rangers condemn 'vile' racist abuse of players as police begin enquiries
Fernandez and Gassama were targeted on social media
Rangers have condemned the “unacceptable” racial abuse given to their players Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama on social media.
Defender Fernandez and winger Gassama were targeted on their Instagram accounts after Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Livingston on Sunday afternoon. Both players shared screenshots of the racist slurs post-match, with Fernandez labelling it “disgusting” while Gassama posted a vomiting emoji.
Rangers have reported the incidents to Police Scotland and Meta, the company that runs Instagram. They also applauded the duo for speaking out publicly after receiving the messages.
A Rangers statement on Monday evening read: “We are in direct contact with Djeidi and Manny and have offered our full support both now and through any future judicial process. We are proud that they stood up for themselves by highlighting this vile abuse last night.
“Manny and Djeidi represent Rangers with commitment and pride. Every time they step onto the pitch, they do so on behalf of this club and our fans.
“Many supporters have already reached out with messages of support. We welcome that backing. It reflects what this club stands for: pride in the shirt, respect for those who wear it, and a commitment to stand together.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of offensive posts online and enquiries are at an early stage.”
Spate of racism incidents in recent weeks
The comments made towards Fernandez and Gassama were the latest in a spate of racist incidents that have taken place both at home and abroad over the past few weeks.
Last weekend, there were four reported cases of racism in the English Premier League. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted by online abuse on Sunday, following on from abuse aimed at Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri on Saturday.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of the UKFPU, confirmed that a probe has been launched and said on Monday: “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again.
“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
And last month, Livingston striker Jeremy Bokila claimed that he was racially abused during a 6-2 defeat by Aberdeen. Bokila was sent off for his part in an-off-the-ball incident and the Dons subsequently released a statement saying: “The club is aware of an allegation that racist language was used during today’s match with Livingston FC at Pittodrie. The player concerned has been informed of the allegation and vehemently denies it.”
Livingston manager Marvin Bartley issued an update last week, revealing that lawyers from the Scottish Football Association had spoken with Bokila and those involved in Aberdeen.
On the continent, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League return leg against Real Madrid by UEFA following the Vinicius Junior racism incident last week.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius alleged he was the subject of racist abuse by a Benfica player – later named by Real as Prestianni – during the first leg between the clubs last Tuesday.
UEFA on Monday announced a provisional one-match ban for Prestianni following the appointment of a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector (EDI) to investigate the incident.
UEFA said further punishment could be handed out once the investigation is completed.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.