Millwall Football Investigated For Racism

February 12, 2013
Written by The Associated Press in
Discrimination Cases
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After a three-month investigation by Sky Sports News uncovered horrific racism in professional football and heard from players and staff who suffered, including Senegal international E Hadji Diouf during a game at The Den on Nov. 8, 2012. Photo Credit: Sky Sports News

LONDON (AP) - English second-tier team Millwall said it is "deeply shocked and appalled" by television footage showing its supporters racially abusing striker El Hadji Diouf during a win over Leeds at The Den in November.

 

A Sky Sports News report showed footage of the former African footballer of the year subjected to racist chants and taunts throughout the League Championship game. Obscenities aimed at Diouf and Millwall defender Danny Shittu were recorded and broadcast.

"Everyone at Millwall Football Club is deeply shocked and appalled by the footage," Millwall said in a statement, adding that it condemns the perpetrators. It has asked for the video evidence to be made available to the police.

"We will assist in identifying the individuals concerned with a view to the strongest possible action being taken," the club said.

The Football Association said Tuesday, “[it was] concerned by the footage and has opened an investigation.”

"We will work with all the relevant authorities including the police," the FA said in a statement.

Millwall chief executive, Andy Ambler, urged police action to show "that behavior is unacceptable in any football ground in the country and at Millwall, we will ban the individuals for life."

Bolton striker Marvin Sordell previously reported racial abuse during a game against Millwall in October, and as a result, the south London club banned a 13-year-old boy.

"There are two issues," Football League chairman Greg Clarke said. "One is we have to continue to work with the clubs on our anti-racism programs which are agreed with the FA. Secondly is the reticence of black players to come forward and feel comfortable in supporting it.”

"If we've created an environment that doesn't support black players in confronting this issue we've done something terribly wrong."

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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Discrimination Cases

Comments

Racism in Sports

Submitted by UCCSWEST-S2013-20 on

Unfortunately I think sports is where we see the most racism. This is a good example. The world most popular sport, soccer is a hot bed for racism, discrimination and sexism. This example is terrible. Why do people have to resort to racial comments during a game? Just be excited its a good game and you are there. I am a passionate American Football fan, but I would never use a racial slur no matter how mad I was. This is terrible and I hope the authorites could have ejected the fans for this.