Fulham have condemned the “abhorrent” racist and homophobic online abuse directed at defender Calvin Bassey following Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shootout win at Manchester United.
Nigeria defender Bassey, who scored the opening goal at Old Trafford, shared some examples of the unsavoury abuse he had received on social media.
“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society,” Fulham said in a statement.
“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 in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.”
Bassey’s online abuse comes on the heels of similar incidents involving Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, England defender Kyle Walker, Newcastle’s Joe Willock, and Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Samuel Okafor, CEO of anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out (KIO), described the rising levels of abuse in English football as having “reached crisis point.”
Bassey had scored earlier in the match, but his goal was equalized in the second half by Bruno Fernandes, leaving the game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time.
The penalty shootout saw Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee miss for Manchester United, allowing Fulham to advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.