Ipswich Town Football Club has launched an investigation into online racist abuse directed at Ghana international Abdul Fatawu, following his red card in the club’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Everton. The incident occurred on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Fatawu was sent off in the 67th minute after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. The club confirmed on Sunday, September 20, that an abuse was posted on social media after the match.
The Premier League has joined the investigation and warned that offenders could face club bans and legal prosecution. In a statement, Ipswich Town said they are working with the Premier League and other authorities to identify those behind the abuse. The club finds any form of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable and has no place in football. Fatawu, 22, was booked earlier in the game before his dismissal, which left Ipswich with 10 players for the final 23 minutes.
Despite the defeat, Ipswich pushed for a late equaliser, but Everton held on to secure the three points. Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the match in the 11th minute. The Ghanaian winger's sending-off did not deter his teammates, who continued to fight for an equaliser. Ipswich Town has offered its full support to Fatawu, who has been subjected to online racist abuse.
The Premier League has also offered its support to the player and Ipswich, saying those responsible for discriminatory abuse could face serious sanctions. The league added that people found guilty of discriminatory abuse should expect the strongest possible sanctions, including club bans and legal prosecution. The Premier League will continue working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement, and social media companies to address this issue.
Ipswich Town Football Club is aware of online racist abuse directed at Abdul Fatawu via social media. The club finds any form of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable and has no place in football. Ipswich Town stated that they will continue to offer Abdul their full support. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for an end to online racist abuse in football.
The investigation is ongoing, with Ipswich Town working closely with the Premier League and relevant authorities to identify those responsible for the abuse. Fatawu's teammates and coaches have rallied around him, condemning the racist abuse and offering their support. The incident highlights the need for greater action against online racist abuse in football.
Mohammed Kudus, a Ghanaian footballer, recently withdrew from the Black Stars squad ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo scored a brace and provided an assist as Manchester City beat Sunderland 5-3. In other news, Black Sherif’s ‘Jolie’ debuted at No. 20 on the UK Afrobeats Chart.
Key points
- Ipswich Town are investigating online racist abuse directed at Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu.
- The Premier League has joined the investigation and warned that offenders could face club bans and legal prosecution.
- Fatawu was sent off in the 67th minute during Ipswich’s 1-0 defeat to Everton.
