Fulham FC has strongly condemned the “abhorrent” racist and homophobic abuse directed at defender Calvin Bassey following the club’s FA Cup penalty shootout win against Manchester United on Sunday.
Bassey, who scored the opening goal at Old Trafford, shared examples of the offensive messages he received on social media after the match.
In response, Fulham issued a statement expressing their full support for Bassey: “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, who will continue to receive our full backing. We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators of these vile messages and take the strongest possible action against them.”
The Premier League also condemned the abuse, stating they were “appalled” and would offer “our full support to Calvin and the club.” The league added: “We work with social media companies and authorities to help ensure any individuals found guilty of discrimination face the strongest possible consequences.”
Bassey’s experience is the latest in a series of online abuse cases involving footballers, including Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, England’s Kyle Walker, Newcastle’s Joe Willock, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
Samuel Okafor, CEO of anti-discrimination body Kick It Out, recently told BBC Sport that the level of abuse in English football has “reached crisis point.”
In the match, Bassey’s first-half goal was canceled out by Bruno Fernandes in the second half, leaving the game tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Fulham triumphed in the penalty shootout, with Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee missing for United, sending the Cottagers into the quarter-finals. Fulham will host Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in the next round.
