Retired Nigerian gamers who performed within the English Premier League have requested the English FA to look into allegations of racism in opposition to Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher after the midfielder was seen snubbing a younger black boy within the tunnel earlier than their EPL match in opposition to Burnley on the Stamford Bridge final Saturday, Saturday PUNCH stories.
Ten-man Burnley got here twice from behind to seize a 2-2 draw in opposition to the Blues however the irritating draw was made worse by the movies of the tunnel incident after the sport.
The video in query confirmed Gallagher lining up within the tunnel as a younger black boy held out his hand for a excessive 5 from Gallagher, however the midfielder snubbed him and merely tapped his shoulders earlier than turning to a white boy behind him.
Former Tremendous Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, who featured for West Bromwich Albion in 2003, stated the very best factor Gallagher may do was tender a public apology to the lad.
“It’s a transparent case of racism and I believe Gallagher must brazenly apologise to the younger boy and possibly at Chelsea’s subsequent sport, convey the boy to the pitch, after the sport, give him a jersey, take him to the dressing room to fulfill the opposite participant and make him glad. There isn’t a room for racism in soccer, so we’re ready to see what the FA would do about it,” Udeze instructed PUNCH Sports activities Further.
Sam Sodje, who featured for Studying within the Premier League urged the FA to get to the basis of the matter.
“I don’t actually know the total story, there is likely to be extra to the video however with the eye that it’s getting, it’s one thing that it’s a must to look into. Racism is just not one thing anybody would tolerate, I’ve been in that scenario earlier than, it’s a nasty factor, but it surely’s at all times good to have details, and I believe the FA ought to do one thing about it and kick it out,” Sodje instructed our correspondent.
English FA Cup winner with Everton in 1995, Daniel Amokachi, in addition to followers, additionally condemned the act.
“It’s a disgrace, ready for motion from the Premier League,” Amokachi wrote beneath an Instagram submit.
“That is so heartbreaking, why would Conor Gallagher be such a racist?” a fan, Kuula Ronald, queried.
One other fan, Omon Dike, wrote on X, “Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is a racist. He shook the white boy’s fingers and even hugged him however gave the black one a large berth.”
In the meantime, Chelsea on Monday launched an announcement in defence of Gallagher.
“Chelsea Soccer Membership is conscious of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday’s fixture in opposition to Burnley, which has been taken significantly out of context,” an official assertion from the membership learn.
“The next degree of abuse and defamatory feedback directed in direction of Conor Gallagher is totally unacceptable. We’re proud to be a various, inclusive membership the place folks from all cultures, communities and identities really feel welcome.”
