Abu Kamara left “shocked and saddened” by Stuart Webber’s ‘jail’ comments

Portsmouth’s Abu Kamara, on loan from Norwich, has been left “shocked and saddened” by Stuart Webber’s ‘jail’ comments.

In a wide-ranging interview on Saturday, Stuart Webber, the former Sporting Director of Norwich, faced criticism from one of the Black players he had previously claimed would have ended up in jail if not for football.

Raheem Sterling, Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis, Abu Kamara, and Jonny Rowe, who were all mentioned by Webber, expressed their shock and anger towards the offensive remark.

Webber has been involved in the careers of those players. One of them, striker Kamara, said in a statement: “My family and I are deeply saddened and shocked by the comments made by Stuart Webber in a recent press article.

“I want to say to all the black and ethnic minority children that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to avoid living a life of crime and it is important that younger audiences are not left with this false narrative.

“I am proud of where I come from and acknowledge the sacrifices my family have made in order for me to have a career in football.

“However, these remarks are a sign that there is still a long way to go to be treated equally. You can be whatever you want to be as long as you work hard, believe in yourself, and be consistent in what you do.”

In the interview with The Pink Un, Webber said: “We want to help the guys who really need it, not the ones who are maybe privileged.

“I saw that with our young footballers. Jonny Rowe wouldn’t mind me saying it but him, Abu Kamara, Max [Aarons], Jamal [Lewis], Raheem [Sterling] back in the day at Liverpool, where they come from it had to work out for them in football, because the alternative is potentially jail or something else.”

What he had to say led to widespread anger with the players’ families also furious, as Max Aarons’ mother Amber accused Webber of “casual racism and blatant disrespect”.

Troy Townsend of Kick It Out said Webber’s remarks were an “absolute disgrace” and described them as being “racially profiling”.

A Kick It Outstatement described the comments as “deeply offensive and concerning”.

“To read such callous language being used by someone who until recently was a senior executive at the top of the English game paints a very damning picture,” it said.

“Resorting to lazy stereotyping is clearly upsetting for those who have been targeted, but also shows a complete lack of respect for their families, who have played a huge part in the journeys that the players have been on.

“We will be contacting Norwich City for their observations.”

SEE MORE: Ex-Norwich sporting director apologises for ‘disgraceful’ comments about Black footballers

Webber sent voice notes to the players he had insulted and their parents, expressing his apologies for the offence caused by his words.

He also asserted that his comments, which he attempted to clarify, had been completely misinterpreted by the media, as they were taken out of context.

The Pink Un also said via Twitter that it did not endorse Webber’s comments. The tweet read: “Jonny, Abu, Max, Jamal and Raheem are fantastic role models and a credit to themselves, their profession and their families.

“There is no place in our society for discrimination in any form. The Pink Un does not endorse such views.”

Twitter users gave their reaction with Abu Kamara left “shocked and saddened” by Stuart Webber’s ‘jail’ comments…

@PompeyGJ: You have been a credit to your family this season and hopefully can win a league title in your season at Pompey.

@jgraver7: We are all with you and the other players mentioned, Abu. Racism won’t be tolerated.

@pompeyplayup97: No one should go though that pompey play up blue army and myself and my mum support you

@DawnRoberts1: Once a blue. Always a blue Abu,I think you know that and wherever your career takes you, you’ll always have the Pompey family right behind you 💙

@yarmy73: We are with you Abu and in no way share the views of our ex Sporting Director! Keep doing what you are doing and hope to see you back soon in yellow & green! 💛💚

@princessclairin: You are a star Abu. Hope you are feeling the Pompey love and that all of you targeted rise above this man’s petty racism 💙

@darrylb1995: Just so you know. Us fans don’t believe a word that comes out of that frauds mouth. Hope to see you in a Norwich shirt at the carra very soon!

@delboycanary: Well Said Abu , us Norwich fans don’t agree with his comments and don’t worry , He will know who we are next time we see him . 💛💚 Enjoy the rest of the season and hopefully promotion celebrations on the south coast.

@F1footballfan1: Disgusting from him Abu. Vile vile comments. Shame there’s people like him in the world. Keep doing what you’re doing mate. You’re doing brilliantly here. Hope you’re here next season 🤞

@Chrismich1953: Behind you all the way Abu. When I see another human being I see a person equal to us all, not their colour or ethnicity but just another human being like me with the same god given talents to use. Racism has no place in our world. PUP..

@ncfcryan_: Keep smashing it at pompey Abu, hopefully we see you on the XI next season 👊

@FPLJessx: Right behind you and all the other guys Abu, you’re a real class act. Can’t wait to see back in the yellow and green next season 💛💚

@svenncfc: Much love 💛💚 can’t wait to see you rip it up next season

@les_canaris: We all know you’re a good lad Abu, keep smashing it we can’t wait to see you back in yellow & green 💪💛💚

@MaxFaithfull18: The whole of Portsmouth love you and are behind you Abu, you and your family will always be welcome here 💙

@ChrisCNCFC: He does not speak for Ncfc anymore he’s gone and should be confined to history. Looking forward to seeing you dominate the Championship next season 👍

@DRG__Tweets: A credit to his family. Hope he goes to the very very top of the sport 🫡

@surreypomp: Abu 100%. You know you are loved and respected by Portsmouth fans. 💙💙

@thomaslubbock: I thought when he blamed fans for various issues he could be forgiven for a clumsy choice of words but when I saw what he said this time I was shocked. No place for stereotyping, racism and people with that mindset.

@bennewton1980: Well said Abu. 👏🏼 Keep on doing what you’re doing ⚽️⚽️⚽️💛💚

@Curtis_furness: That second paragraph is so important. It’s not best case or worst case. Frankly, he should be ashamed of his comments, but just know Abu everyone at Norwich is with you. Keep smashing it with Pompey and come back to us with a League One medal!

@PompeyChimes90: Oh Abu I’m so sorry to see this, Keep doing what you’re doing you’re smashing it and you’re an inspiration to do many. The whole of Pompey are with you 💙

@norwich_updates: You’re a brilliant footballer and a great human being. We are all excited for you back next season. Keep smashing it with Pompey Abu! 💛💚

@jackchapman_PFC: Both Norwich and Pompey fans think the world of you and we’ll stand with you, what you are achieving now in the game is amazing and comments made are made by a coward of a man. Keep going Abu!

@Brandonpage01: He doesn’t speak for us Norwich fans. Glad he’s gone.

@PompeyPedro: Handled with class and dignity. A gifted baller on the field but more importantly a good man off it. 👏🏼

Hope he had a nice birthday❤️

— Abu Kamara (@AbuKamara47) March 24, 2024

Classy statement from a classy person. You have done well to call this out.

If it helps at all I don’t know anyone who has opinions like this in any way.

Football is for everyone. We stand with you here.👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/MCi2o2gynK

— Andy Ford (@AndyFord33107) March 24, 2024