Ipswich Town and the Premier League have launched an investigation after Abdul Fatawu was subjected to racist abuse online. The winger was sent off during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Fatawu received a second yellow card midway through the second half for diving, having earlier been booked for hauling back Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Ipswich confirmed that Fatawu was the target of racial abuse on social media following his dismissal.
Club and League Condemn Abuse
“Ipswich Town Football Club is aware of online racist abuse directed at Abdul Fatawu via social media,” a statement from the Portman Road club read. “The club finds any form of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable and has no place in football.
“We are investigating this incident alongside the Premier League and the relevant authorities. We will continue to offer Abdul our full support.”
In a statement released shortly after Ipswich’s, the Premier League said: “The Premier League stands with Abdul Fatawu and Ipswich Town following the unacceptable abuse he has received online, and we have offered our full support to the player and club.
Premier League Pledges Sanctions
“We are appalled by the discrimination players face online and it has no place in football or wider society. We will continue working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue, support investigations and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“Those found guilty of discriminatory abuse should expect the strongest possible sanctions, including club bans and legal prosecution.”
Asked about the sending off following Saturday’s game, Tractor Boys boss Gary O’Neil felt referee Stuart Attwell did not need to show a yellow card but admitted Fatawu needed to be more aware of giving him a decision to make.
O’Neil Reflects on Red Card
“I’ve seen them given, I’ve seen them not given. I didn’t think it was a blatant one,” he said. "There was some contact, Abdul was anticipating contact and, in truth, moves his leg towards it a bit but I felt there didn’t need to be a desperate need for the referee to get involved.
“If we had just played on I don’t think there would have been too many complaints. I’ve spoken to him about being a bit more experienced, a bit more wise in those situations when he is on a yellow card – even giving the ref a decision to make comes with risk.”
