fbpx
Connect with us

Championship

Middlesbrough investigate alleged incident of abuse and discrimination as fan speaks out

Middlesbrough have taken to investigate an alleged incident of abuse and discrimination as the fan caught up in it speaks out.

Boro have put out a statement on the incident urging those who heard or witnessed anything to contact them as the club work with police to find and punish the culprit(s).

Yusuf wrote via Instagram: “Good away win and nice belated birthday present.

“A great atmosphere spoiled by a few Boro fans shouting “get back to Africa” and “show us your right to work in the UK”.

‘These are Boro fans as well, not even the opposition fans. What goes through people’s minds when they say these stuff?

“This isn’t banter or a laugh and cannot be blamed on too much to drink.

“Things like this happen far too often but when will it stop?

“Enough is enough.”

CLUB STATEMENT:

We have been made aware of allegations of an incident of abusive and discriminatory behaviour directed at one of our supporters at Saturday’s match against Watford.

The club has received reports of the incident and is working with Watford and the police to fully investigate. We would urge any further witnesses to please contact the club, by emailing supporters@mfc.co.uk.

We will not make any further comment on the incident at this time so as not to jeopardise this investigation.

MFC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and creating a welcoming environment for all supporters at the Riverside, away matches and in the wider community.  

We condemn all forms of hate crime and discrimination in the strongest possible terms, and urge supporters who witness any such incidents to please report them to the club.

On Matchday

  • Text the MFC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion text line on 07340 718965, giving full details of the incident and which stand, row and seat it took place if possible. The text will be sent to the matchday safety team who will investigate via steward intervention as well as direct or remote observation
  • Speak to a club steward or other member of staff
  • Use the free Kick It Out App

Other Ways To Report Discrimination To MFC

MFC is committed to promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion via our RiversideBySide programme.

MORE ON REPORTING DISCRIMINATION

The game itself saw Josh Coburn score the winner for Boro after the Hornets had bounced back from two goals down.

Middlesbrough picked a third win from four unbeaten after having to wait until their eighth Championship game of the season for a first victory but since then have kicked on.

Riley McGree’s quickfire double opened up a 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes.

Watford hit back, as Ryan Porteous sent the ball forward and Vakoun Bayo put the ball past Seny Dieng.

Wesley Hoedt made it 2-2 with a half-volley into the roof of the net following a poor clearance on 52 minutes.

But it was Boro coming away with the points, with Josh Coburn scoring the winner 11 minutes later

Watford: Bachmann, Porteous, Sierralta (Kayembe 65′), Hoedt, Ngakia, Louza (Chakvetadze 65′), Dele-Bashiru (Healey 84′), Lewis, Asprilla (Ince 65′), Rajovic (Matheus Martins 45′), Bayo

Subs: Ince, Koné, Healey, Pollock, Chakvetadze, Hamer, Matheus Martins, Kayembe, Andrews

Middlesbrough: Dieng, van den Berg, Fry, McNair, O’Brien (Smith 36′), Howson, Hackney, Jones (Forss 78′), Crooks (Greenwood 86′), McGree, Coburn

Subs: Smith, Barlaser, Latte Lath, Rogers, Silvera, Forss, Glover, Engel, Greenwood

This is what Twitter users said with Middlesbrough taking to investigate alleged incident of abuse and discrimination as the fan speaks out…

@NicolaC51255305: You’re fantastic Yusuf as a friend and makes me very happy. Ignore the bullies, I know it’s hard ❤️⚽️❤️🙋‍♀️

@GeoffSpence13: Absolutely disgusted and upset by this. Yusuf is a great guy and ambassador for our club. His love and support for Boro is a wonderful sign of our inclusivity. Racists are not welcome to stand alongside us.

@shinebritediam1: This is truly awful 😖

@helieboro: It’s beyond vile. I was chatting with Yusef before the match yesterday (as I do most games). Feel so bad he has had to deal with that. So easy for people to say ignore it – why should he? Why should anyone have to deal with abuse like that.

@izzyslovenian: It needs calling out by people who know them. Football is about belonging, and us being Boro. It must be awful for Yusuf to endure. It’s cowardly, and Yusuf needs our backing. Up the Boro.

@SmoggyPower: Yusuf is a far better fan than those pathetic racists, it’s shameful some Boro fans could stoop that low. Yusuf is what’s good on the terraces & shows what a welcoming set of fans the majority of us are, taking him under our wing & admiring his devotion. Stand up to hate! #UTB

@Lambo88: Get them banned. They are not Boro fans.

@Smithy_MFC84: What the fuck is going on? Yusuf follows the #Boro up and down the country, his dedication staggering. But his monumental commitment to OUR club aside, this sort of mindless, racist and hateful behaviour towards Yusuf is sickening. Name them, and bin them in the fucking sea.

@OOTfirebobby: He’s a top lad @YusufBoro. It’s beyond me, racism of any kind, especially to one of our own. Pathetic and sickening doesn’t cover it for these small minded bigots

@Carlpotter_: Yusuf is one of our own top guy utb

@jomalt__: Absolutely disgusting and from our own so called fans too?! Scumbags. No one should have to put up with this

@markdavies67: Sickened by this. Chatted to Yusuf after the game and he was as amazing as ever. He’s true Boro – his abusers are most definitely not.

@petermac84: Absolutely vile

@SimonSm36193750: Find out who they are and ban them, Yusuf is a legend

@BORODAVE85: Should be banned as well, sacked from their work place and life ruined

@Eddieadams83: Thats absolutely disgusting. These so called fans should never be able to go to a football match ever again

@leongentles7: Disgusting. Was only a couple weeks ago a minority of “fans” were giving him stick for nothing. It’s the same names every time – when are we actually going to learn? Being abused for your skin colour is abhorrent and far too common.

SEE MORE: Police probe Notts County fan’s assault on Colchester player and alleged racial abuse

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Championship