Fulham defender Calvin Bassey has received widespread support from his club and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after being subjected to racist and homophobic abuse on social media.
The Nigerian international was targeted following his goal in Fulham’s FA Cup fifth-round victory against Manchester United on Sunday.
Fulham issues strong statement against abuse
In response to the hateful messages directed at Bassey, Fulham FC released a firm statement on Monday, condemning the discriminatory attacks and pledging support for their player.
Fulham Football Club is deeply dismayed by the racist and homophobic abuse received and shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after the FA Cup match against Manchester United,” the club stated.
We strongly condemn this abhorrent behavior which has no place in football or in society.
Calvin has our full support, and we will work with the relevant authorities to identify and sanction the authors of these unacceptable messages.
The club’s statement highlights its commitment to tackling discrimination in football and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
Nigeria Football Federation stands by Bassey
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also responded swiftly, issuing a statement condemning the abuse and reaffirming its stance against racism in the sport.
The NFF firmly opposes all forms of discrimination, including racial abuse, and extends its full support to Calvin Bassey in the face of these unacceptable acts,” the federation said. We are determined to work towards a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all players, both on and off the pitch.”
The federation’s statement underscores the broader issue of racism in football and the need for stronger measures to protect players from such attacks.
Growing pressure on social media platforms
The incident has once again sparked a debate about the role of social media companies in preventing and addressing online abuse.
Calls are growing for digital platforms to implement stricter policies and harsher penalties against individuals spreading hate speech.
As Fulham prepares for its FA Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on March 29, football authorities and anti-discrimination organizations are urging social media platforms to take stronger action in combating racism and discrimination in the game.
