Swansea say they are “sickened” by “disgusting” racist social media abuse aimed at Michael Obafemi after he left to sign for Burnley.
The 22-year-old, who has found the net 15 times in 52 appearances for the Welsh outfit, has joined the league leaders until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer.
Swansea say the offensive posts have been reported to South Wales Police, while issuing a statement via their social media channels.
Swansea City striker Michael Obafemi has joined Burnley on a loan deal with an option to buy, subject to EFL and international clearance.
👉 https://t.co/n38qMF4gQe pic.twitter.com/Qudblcbfro
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) January 29, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT:
ON THE TRANSFER
Swansea City striker Michael Obafemi has joined Burnley on a loan deal with an option to buy, subject to EFL and international clearance.
The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international joins up with Vincent Kompany’s Clarets as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Obafemi initially moves to Turf Moor on loan for the remainder of the season, with the option available to make the move permanent for an undisclosed fee.
The forward joined the Swans from Southampton at the end of the summer transfer window in 2021 and, after taking time to settle in SA1, ended his first season with 12 goals to his name.
Three more have followed in 19 appearances this term, and Obafemi departs the Swansea.com Stadium with 15 goals from 52 outings in total.
ON THE RACIST ABUSE
Swansea City is aware of disgusting racist abuse posted on social media in relation to Michael Obafemi’s loan move to Burnley.
The club is sickened by the vile language used in the offending posts, and is working to identify those responsible and take the strongest possible action.
The matter has been reported to South Wales Police, who are investigating.
There is no place for racism or discrimination of any kind in society or football.
Those responsible do not represent Swansea City, or the values of our club and community.
Ourselves and Burnley will offer Michael every support in this matter.
New chapter: 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 📶
Michael Obafemi expresses his delight with wearing Claret and Blue in his first interview đź“ą pic.twitter.com/3msRmxGtXm
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 29, 2023
BURNLEY STATEMENT
Michael Obafemi became Burnley’s fourth arrival in the January transfer window on Sunday after joining on loan until the end of the season with an option to make the deal permanent in the summer from Swansea City.
The 22-year-old forward admits that he was ‘adamant’ to join the Clarets as soon as he heard of the interest and was eager to be a part of the ‘exciting project’ building at Turf Moor.
Speaking to Clarets+ in his first interview on the weekend, Obafemi spoke about the move, working with manager Vincent Kompany and already knowing a couple of faces in camp.
Obafemi said: “It’s good to be here, it’s been a busy few days but I’m glad it’s finally done and that I’m here in Claret & Blue.
“When Burnley first came about in the summer, I was adamant to go then, but it didn’t happen. Everything happens for a reason and I think now was the right time for me to come.
“I’m just happy that I’m here so that I can help the team push for promotion and get back to where they belong.
“I feel like I fell in love with the way they played when I first saw them against Huddersfield. It was amazing to watch, and from that day I couldn’t take my mind off it. To be part of this is special.
“I’m just looking forward to it, I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve almost manifested it, praying and hoping it happens. It has and I’m just thankful, I can’t wait to play at Turf Moor in the Claret & Blue.”
The Irish striker is relishing the opportunity of working under Kompany and being part of the ‘project’, but admits he will have to work hard to get into the side.
“The project he’s built or, or he’s building, is phenomenal. I see myself being a part of this project, and I’m happy I am a part of it now.
“I’d be an idiot not to come here. Look at the career he’s had, I can learn so much off him and all the staff here. I feel like this was the right step in my career.
“It’s been a difficult few months but now I’m here, I need to work hard. I need to get myself in the team ultimately. Just because I’m here, it doesn’t mean I’m going to play every game. I need to work hard and show him why he signed me.” Said the forward.
Obafemi will already know two faces in the squad having played with Josh Cullen at international level with Ireland and rising through the academy ranks at Southampton alongside Nathan Tella.
The attacker is looking forward reuniting with his ‘long-time’ friend Nathan and believes it helps coming into a new squad being familiar with a couple of players.
Obafemi smiled: “Me and Nathan go a long way back. When I left Southampton, we thought we’d never play with each other again and now we have the chance too!
“It’s an amazing moment to play with one of my long-time friends. I spoke to him before I came here to ask him what it’s like, and he said I’d love it. He’s not wrong.
“Familiar faces like Josh and Nathan can give you an insight on what it’s like, and everything they said is true. It’s amazing here and I’m just happy to be here.”
Here’s what fans ad to say with Swansea left ‘sickened’ by ‘disgusting’ racist social media abuse aimed at Michael Obafemi…
@QPRReport: Too much of this… in too many places
@robblake13: Genuinely no idea what’s wrong with people. At what point do you resort to racism, and at what point do accounts get suspended? Idiotic
@Morgan_will1999: What’s wrong with people ffs
@emmielukis: I mean, this shouldn’t even pop into people’s heads. A disgrace to the club.
@ChloeChantelle1: Jesus, no matter how annoyed you are with someone racism is NEVER the answer. Hope they get banned from the club.
@BigO_89: No matter what your opinion of the Obafemi situation is, resorting to racial abuse is fucking disgusting. Hope the scum has the book thrown at them.
@brownh1989: Why do people have to stoop so low to resort to this level of behaviour
@gazrogers23: Yes he shat on us as fans and the club but no one should be targeted for racist abuse no matter how much of a twat they are.
@CurtisTheJack: Jeepers creepers, you can hate the player if you want BUT there is no need for people to comment anything racist. Whoever has is an embarrassment to our club and should be ashamed.
@reecehamilton18: Society gets more fucked everyday
@KieranCraig2016: Absolutely pathetic to abuse someone for the colour of their skin. Obafemi clearly left on a sour note but that doesn’t excuse having a go about the colour of his skin
@DarlingSZN: Abuse him all you want but it should never be because of his skin colour
@scmw12: Fuckin hell what’s wrong with our fans man
@sniff901: Vile.
@SwansBlog: Vile, thick people. I hope they are identified and the strongest possible punishment is handed out.
@swansea_indy: Absolute utter scum bags.
@TomBreezy_: Imagine hating on a player so much you resort to this kind of behaviour? Embarrassing.
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