LONDON — Fulham Football Club has firmly denounced the “racist and homophobic abuse” targeted at their defender, Calvin Bassey, on social media following their victory against Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Calvin Bassey, at 25 years old, is a Nigerian international and the subject of online hate after helping his team to a penalty shootout victory at Old Trafford. Bassey opened the scoring in their fifth-round match, which ended in a 1-1 draw before they secured the win.
In response to the abuse, Fulham issued a strong statement condemning such behavior. “We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey,” said the club. “We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.”
Calls have been growing for social media companies to take greater action in combating the widespread abuse seen on their platforms, where anonymity often provides a shield for those behind such offenses.
