x

FC Porto forward Marega walks off pitch after racist abuse

FC Porto striker Moussa Marega left the pitch in protest at being subjected to racist insults during his side’s 2-1 win away to Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal’s Primeira Liga on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Mali forward scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 60th minute.

He celebrated the goal by pointing to his skin in response to a section of the home fans who had targeted him throughout the match.

The player was shown a yellow card for the reaction and after the abuse continued he tried to leave the pitch, pointing his thumbs down to the crowd.

But he was restrained by his team mates for a number of minutes.

FC Porto coach Sergio Conceicao was eventually forced to substitute Marega in the 72nd minute.

“We are completely indignant,” Conceicao told reporters.

“They insulted Marega since the warm-up. We are all a family here, regardless of our nationality, skin colour, height or the colour of our hair and we all deserve respect.

“What happened here is outrageous.

“I know the fans here are very passionate about their club and many fans are not represented by some of the people who were in the crowd today.”

Marega later posted a message on Instagram calling the supporters who targeted him as “idiots”.

“I’d also like to show my thanks to the referee who did not defend me and who gave me a yellow card for defending the colour of my skin.

“I hope I never meet you on a football pitch ever again. You are a disgrace,” he added.

Porto’s director of communications Francisco Marques added on his own Twitter account: “Marega was fed up and left the pitch and FC Porto was forced to make a substitution due to racism.”

Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that no FC Porto players spoke to the media after the game in solidarity with Marega.

Vitoria coach Ivo Vieira said he did not want to comment on the incident as he was not sure about what had happened.

“I prefer not to speak about a situation without being aware of all the facts. But if the player was provoked, then he should not have been,” he said.

FC Porto are second in the Portuguese top flight, trailing leaders Benfica by a point after 21 games.(Reuters/NAN)

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Scrabble Stars Battle for N10m at Gov. Diri Championship

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Top Scrabble players from across Nigeria...

Northern CAN Leaders Visit Benue, Reject ‘Herders-Farmers Clash’ Narrative

...Pledge sustained advocacy...“Your presence is Christ sitting with us”...

Expect More Development — Gov. Aliyu Assures Sokoto Residents

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State...

We Have Brought Inclusive Development to Plateau — Governor Mutfwang

By Israel Adamu, Jos The people of Plateau State made...

NYSC Is the Thread Binding Nigeria’s Diversity” — Gov. Diri

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri,...

What’s the Best Age for a Man to Get Married? Here’s What We Found

Marriage is one of the most significant milestones in...

Nurses Suspend Nationwide Strike – Health Minister Confirms

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img