Viewers have been left shocked with one fan heard being racist to a keeper live on TV in Friday night’s FA Cup First Round tie.
Colchester United goalkeeper Shamal George was the victim of alleged racist abuse in their win at AFC Sudbury in front of 2,000 supporters.
A spectator was heard allegedly shouting racist abuse at the U’s shot-stopper, during the League Two‘s side 4-0 victory at the MEL Group Stadium.
The audio was picked up during BBC TV’s live broadcast of the first round tie and posted on social media, with it going viral, in the hope of catching the culprit.
George wrote on Twitter afterwards: ‘Good result. Ruined by s**t like this. Honestly. 2nd time in space of a few months. Bet it goes under the carpet again. Into the hat’
It followed a social media post from ‘London Shrimper’ which highlighted the TV footage and audio of the alleged incident.
London Shrimper said: ‘Watching the Sudbury vs Colchester FA Cup game. After @shamalgeorge made a save you hear an @AFCSudbury fan shout “George you’re lucky there init, you big black c***”. Rivalries aside, there is no place in football for racism. Even more sad after this:’
Good result.
Ruined by shit like this. Honestly. 2nd time in space of a few months. Bet it goes under the carpet again.
Into the 🎩/29🦋 https://t.co/azENU9tLkJ
— Shamal George (@shamalgeorge) November 5, 2021
It is the second time for the 2021/22 season that goalkeeper George has suffered alleged racist abuse during a match.
The former Liverpool shot-stopper fell victim to alleged abuse in the U’s 3-2 win at Barrow in League Two, in September.
A complaint of racist abuse coming from behind the goal in the home end, directed towards George, was made by Colchester in the first half of their victory at the Dunes Hotel Stadium.
After referee Simon Mather temporarily halted the game after the abuse was reported it was formally announced by the Barrow PA system, with the message also declaring that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any racism should be reported.
However after an investigation, Barrow said there was ‘insufficient evidence’ to press any criminal charges.
Colchester United avoided a potential FA Cup upset with an impressive 4-0 first round victory at AFC Sudbury.
The League Two side made light work of the lowest-ranked side in the competition from the eighth tier.
Wiredu tapped in the opener before a Sears half-volley, while Jasper curled in right footed before McCoulsky got a fourth in added time.
Hayden Mullins’ side will have to wait until Monday evening to discover their second round opponents, with the draw set to take place following the last first-round tie between Dagenham & Redbridge and Salford City.
The U’s, 17th in their division with just four wins this season, would have been wary of opponents from four leagues below them, having been knocked out at the same stage of the competition last season on penalties at home to non league Marine.
AFC Sudbury joint-manager Rick Andrews told BBC Radio Suffolk:
“I think it was a step too far for us and fair play to Colchester, it was a very professional performance.
“At 30-odd minutes we felt we were getting close and creating chances, but we just gave away two quickfire goals.
“I wish we could’ve got a goal for the fans as they were outstanding and I told the players at half-time just to give it a real go.
“They’re a class side and we were well beaten tonight. To a man, the players worked their socks off and hopefully the supporters appreciated the effort.”
Colchester United manager Hayden Mullins told BBC Essex:
“The job from start to finish was a really professional one. I asked the boys to respect the opposition, to give us a professional performance.
“If we’d let them get up a head of steam, it could’ve been really difficult for us with the atmosphere.
“I wanted the boys to try and control the game and wanted them to stay calm and focused on what we were trying to do. Eventually we took the chances and it was nice to see them put away.
“The aim is to get to the third round and hopefully draw one of the big boys at home, so it was a good night tonight.”
Twitter users reacted with viewers left shocked as one fan is heard being racist to a keeper live on TV in Friday night’s FA Cup First Round tie…
@messageismyname: Very sorry to hear this Shamal. I was stood behind the goal until just before this. So sorry I didn’t see who said it. If I’d have heard it I’d have reported it. @AFCSudbury need to investigate and take action. There were stewards in the area
@fin_father: Sorry you had to experience this. It’s shameful not only that one kid thought he could shout it, but that he was confident in the people around him that he could get away with it. Everyone near him who did nothing is just as much to blame.
@ChrisGurton: As a Sudbury fan, I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed about this. It isn’t something the club stands for and I hope something is done about it. I’m sure it was from one of the many who never normally go to watch Sudbury, but in no way is it acceptable. I’m so sorry.
@OfficialLuke87: That exactly, came from the mouth of a kid still in school, he won’t be there next Saturday, it’s a shame he thinks that’s acceptable and I hope very soon he learns a very hard lesson.
@tommy12leggett: Utterly disgraceful, and @AFCSudbury haven’t even acknowledged it yet! Shameful! You should never have to experience this kind of abuse, let alone twice in a short period!
@JBmoobs: This is not ok. Not today, not ever. We stand with you Shamal. @SRTRC_England @CUFCPolice
@co5712: No place at all for that. We are all behind you @shamalgeorge
@Crokey23: There was also some booing of the knee, no need for it
@Colutdmark: I stand with you @shamalgeorge I am so sorry this happened. Action needs to be taken now!
@Curtis_furness: I’m so sorry you have to deal with this again. Hopefully there will be severe consequences for the person who said it.
@nathannjb_: Solidarity George. Up to fans too to challenge this when we hear it around us. Keep your head up from all @TheGillsFC
@gina1966: Keep going shamal, let’s hope @AFCSudbury sorts this out, ignore people like that he’s only jealous that his keeper was not as good as you. You’re our number 1, the fan’s are behind you 100%
@chris_rugs: I assume you will be having a look into this @CUFCPolice? 20 cameras there last night, more than 1 of them should have footage of this…. Top man Sham, rise above this shit.
@HOLLY3RD: So sorry you have to experience this. I’m a Colchester fan but I don’t believe this is a reflection on Sudbury as a club, there are idiots in society and we can’t just can’t get through to them. Keep strong pal.
@liamjeffrey: Sorry you had to experience this (again), it’s really horrible to hear and disheartening that it came from a such a young lads mouth. Clearly the message isn’t getting through to this younger generation and there still an awful lot more work to do. Congrats on the win
@TraceyWelsh2: Totally unacceptable and disgusting @AFCSudbury hopefully you will investigate and ban the individual concerned. Don’t brush it under the carpet.
@world_minty: It’s a straight up criminal offence. Let’s hope those near the lad have the decency to speak up and ID him. I know every Marine supporter will stand with you every day of the week mate.
@cusalandlady: Its disgraceful Shamal, I’m so sorry you’re on the receiving end of racial abuse again. Keep your head held high xx
@AjaxReloadedAlt: Absolutely inexcusable, don’t let pricks like that get you down they’re just jealous of how good you really are. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to receive racial abuse it’s unacceptable and inexcusable. Keep your head high and keep proving them wrong
@SpencerH2003: What a sad way to end what was a fantastic night for both clubs. Absolutely disgusting behaviour, it’s worrying how young he sounds as well. Stay strong @shamalgeorge, a top keeper with a great future ahead.
@ChrisGurton: Devastated to hear this. It is not OK and not something the club stand for. As others have said, there were a lot of people who never attend Sudbury games normally at the game tonight. I’ve never heard any language like that used at any Sudbury game I’ve been to.
@OfficialLuke87: Kid sounds about 12, once a kid gets a proper slap at school for having a big mouth they soon go quiet.
@BRFClewis: Just no need ffs
@lfraserbell: Disgusting, he sounds about 10 aswell
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