Charlton Athletic report “abhorrent” racist abuse directed at Lyle Taylor to police
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
Charlton Athletic have reported the racist abuse directed towards Lyle Taylor at the weekend to police – describing it as “abhorrent” and “completely unacceptable”.
The Addicks striker highlighted a series of tweets sent to him on Twitter after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Bradford City. Taylor scored the only goal of the game.
Bradford had already issued a statement earlier today saying they were investigating the incident.
And Charlton followed suit this afternoon.
They said: “Following our game against Bradford City on Saturday an individual directed racist remarks towards Lyle Taylor on Twitter.
“Racist abuse is abhorrent and completely unacceptable, it is not something Lyle or any individual should have to deal with.
“We take all forms of discrimination very seriously, and condemn any kind of hatred.
“The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with them and Bradford City to identify the person responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken against them.
“Lyle tweeted the racist abuse he received on Sunday morning and said it was “another example of ignorant, small-minded racism”.
“Late last night he followed up: “The support from everybody has been overwhelming today. The blanket condemnation of 1 idiots actions has highlighted the people’s true feelings on this matter. Thank you for all the messages too, it means the world.”
“This is the second time this year that Lyle has been subjected to racist abuse following a game after also being racially abused by an individual following the club’s match against AFC Wimbledon in February, an incident that was also reported to the police.
“The fact that racist abuse is still seen in football demonstrates work still needs to be done to tackle it. We will continue our work with various anti-racism organisations and the Charlton Athletic Community Trust on anti-racism and anti-discrimination projects and urge anyone who witnesses racist abuse to report it.
“The club have worked with Kick It Out who reported this incident to Twitter.”
People who abuse players from the supposed safety of the crowd are cowards and quite pathetic,I know it must be difficult for the players to hear this ,but they should remember that the vast majority of fans do not care what colour they are and only that they give their all for the club.Would any of these pathetic specimens walk up to Lyle Taylor or Nabby Sarr and say the same things,of course not,they would fill their pants.