Manchester United captain, Ashley Young, was subjected to horrific racist abuse online, following the club’s Champions League exit in the hands of Barcelona on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old endured a difficult night at the Camp Nou, giving away the first goal to the hosts. Barcelona eliminated the English giants 4-0 on aggregate.
United supporters tweeted messages referring to Young as an ‘ape’ and using the ‘n’-word.
Football equality charity group, Kick It Out, had demanded Twitter to do more to tackle racism after a string of recent high-profile incidents on the social media site.
Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah and Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, are among Premier League players who have also been subjected to racial abuse online.
In a statement, Kick It Out said: “Yet another black player, this time Ashley Young, targeted with racist abuse on social media after tonight’s Champions League game.
“Again, we’re left asking Twitter the same question – when will you take serious action to tackle the rampant discrimination on your platform?”
The social media website has condemned the abuse on the England International, but didn’t say if it would take individual action against users who sent racist abuse to the player.
“We can’t comment on individual cases for privacy and security reasons, but while we welcome people to express themselves freely on Twitter, we do not tolerate behaviour that crosses the line into abuse, hateful conduct or harassment. Abuse and harassment – no matter who the victim – have no place on Twitter,” a Twitter spokesperson said.
The offensive tweets have been reportedly removed from the site, while users who abused Young have deleted their accounts.
United also condemned the disgusting abuse on the former Aston Villa winger.
”Manchester United utterly condemns racist social media comments posted around yesterday’s Champions League fixture. We are working to identify individuals involved and we will take the strongest possible action we can against them.
“There is no place for racism within our game, or in society as a whole, and we are committed to working to make football free from all forms of discrimination,” the club said in a stetement.
You Must logged in to add comments. Login
