FA Cup: Fulham condemns homophobic abuse on Calvin Bassey

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria and Fulham defender Calvin Bassey suffers racist and homophobic abuse after scoring against Manchester United in an FA Cup fixture.

Fulham have condemned the racist and homophobic abuse received by Calvin Bassey after their penalty shoot-out FA Cup victory at Manchester United on Sunday.

The London Club condemned the act in a statement released on Monday

“Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United,” the statement read.

“We strongly condemn this abhorrent behavior which has no place in football or society. 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.

“Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.”

The club has also vowed to take the ‘strongest form of action’ against those who had sent abusive messages to the defender, which he shared on social media.

Bassey opened the scoring at Old Trafford with Bruno Fernandes’ later equalizing, but it was the west London club that secured a quarter-final spot after winning 4-3 on spot-kicks.