Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna and Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel reports alleged racism from fans in their games on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues midfielder Juninho Bacuna made the officials and staff members aware of the alleged racist abuse coming from the stands as his side fell to a 1-0 Championship defeat at West Brom.
Sadly, AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel also had to report abuse aimed at him during the goalless League Two draw away at Bradford City.
Birmingham City midfielder Juninho Bacuna has said he was the victim of alleged racist abuse from a spectator during their 1-0 defeat to West Brom. pic.twitter.com/5NtTMXIG9q
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 3, 2024
BIRMINGHAM STATEMENT:
The Club can confirm that in the second-half of Saturday afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship game versus West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, Juninho Bacuna reported an incident of racism to the referee, David Webb.
This will be included in the official’s match report and the Club will assist the FA, the EFL and the authorities accordingly.
Birmingham City thanks the West Brom stewards, security and executive team who acted immediately and the issue is now with West Midlands Police.
The Football Club offers its full and unwavering support to Juninho.
No further comment will be made at this time.
WEST BROM STATEMENT:
West Bromwich Albion can confirm Birmingham City player Juninho Bacuna reported an incident of racism to referee David Webb during the second half of today’s game.
Albion will offer its full support to West Midlands Police in their criminal investigation of this matter. The club will also remain in contact with Birmingham City to ensure Juninho Bacuna receives the support he requires at this time.
The club takes a strong stance against all forms of discrimination and will do all it can to ensure anyone found guilty of racism faces the toughest available legal punishment, in addition to a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns.
Bradford City tweeted: “A reminder racism or any form of discriminatory abuse is not tolerated at the University of Bradford Stadium, and anyone found guilty will be treated with the strongest-possible penalty. If you do hear, see or experience anything, please report it to your nearest steward.”
AFC Wimbledon wrote: “We’d like to place on record our thanks to Bradford City for the way they responded to the incident that occurred towards the end of today’s game. Racism has no place in football.”
Twitter users reacted as Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna and AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel reports alleged racism from fans…
@ImJamieMartin: Lifetime ban from all grounds. Need to get it out the game. How it still happens is so upsetting. No place for it in the game, or life in general.
@AntCOYB86: Seems no club is immune to having these saddos, life ban and name and shame
@ChloeWBA26: The last two weeks have really tarnished the clubs name and reputation. Hope, if found guilty, they receive a lifetime ban. Not the fans that we want in our team
@LiamCooper_20: Not part of this club whoever it was. You’re not welcome at this club. We are known for breaking down barriers with the 3 Degrees. Our club is proud of its black history.
@baggiesguy: It’s not a West Brom thing. It’s a football thing. You hear it at every ground. People need to point them out and the club needs support to throw them out and ban them
@dan7heman: Seriously if any so called Albion fan is found to be racist, they’re not in any way Albion. They don’t represent what we are and what this club is all about. Ban for life and prosecute them. Breaking down barriers 💙🤍💙🤍 #wba
@martin1evans: If true why didn’t those around him point him out or do something? This is not who we are if true
@Tomisatwitt: Two statements on fan behaviour in a week.. Ban them for life, they have no place in football.
@RFCxWBA: Remember the things our club has done historically. Don’t desecrate our history, don’t give racists the light off day. If he is a racist, get him gone.
@NickWBA1993: If you are a supporter of this great club which just so happens to be held in high esteem for breaking down racial barriers in the 70s then you should understand how unacceptable and vile this behaviour is. Hope the club and the police act fast and give a lifetime ban #wba
@sjpatel212: If confirmed true, perhaps as part of their rehabilitation, they should be made to go on a course to study and the learn the history of our club #wba
@Nev_77_: How incredible of a mentality Bacuna has. Doesn’t kick off, doesn’t sulk. Informs the ref, and gets straight back into game mode. The respect I have for him. More than a pleasure to have him at blues
@gayleonthefence: Fuck this shit man. 2024 fucking embarrassing. Fucking racist rats. Hope Albion ID them and ban them for life. Cunts
@KarlHills2: We’re with you Bacca as ever 💙💙 #bcfc
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