‘We just have to keep on drumming it into people that it’s not acceptable’: Fikayo Tomori insists more has to be done to stamp out racism after fresh incidents in UK stadiums, as he opens up on ‘difficult experience’ in Bulgaria
- Fikayo Tomori insists more must be done to stamp out racism in football
- Tomori’s plea comes days after the sport was marred by more racist abuse
- Haringey Borough’s clash with Yeovil was abandoned due to alleged racist abuse
- Rangers star Alfredo Morelos was also the target of racist chants from fans
- It comes a week after several of England’s players were victims of racism in Sofia
Fikayo Tomori has demanded that racism must be ‘kicked out of football’ after several high-profile incidents marred the sport in recent weeks.
The Chelsea starlet made the plea on Tuesday a day before his side’s Champions League encounter with Ajax when reporters quizzed him on the deplorable attacks.
Tomori was asked for his thoughts on this weekend’s FA Cup tie between Haringey Borough and Yeovil, which was abandoned after 64 minutes when players walked off the field following allegations of racist abuse.
Chelsea starlet Fikayo Tomori insists more must be done to stamp out racism in football
The incident magnified that racism is still prevalent in all tiers of football in the English game – something that needs to be stamped out quickly, Tomori insisted.
‘Racism wherever it is is not a laughing matter and is something that needs to be kicked out of the game,’ the 21-year-old told reporters.
‘It’s a gradual process. It’s not going to stop overnight and we just have to keep on drumming it into people that it’s not acceptable.’
Haringey star Coby Rowe is restrained by security staff following an alleged racist incident
Haringey goalkeeper Valery Pajetat (right) points towards Yeovil supporters at Coles Park
The disgusting attack comes just a week after Raheem Sterling, Tyrone Mings and Marcus Rashford were all the victims of racist abuse during England’s Euro 2020 qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia.
Tomori was an unused substitute in the 6-0 thrashing at Vasil Levski National Stadium which halted twice due to the vile abuse throughout the game from sections of the home support.
‘Obviously it was a difficult experience. What we wanted to do was just play our football, to win the game. That’s what we did,’ he added.
‘When stuff like that happens you have to try and block it out even though it is so blatant. We just wanted to go out there, play our game and win the game.
The FA reportedly offered counselling to England players after being racially abused
A section of the Bulgaria fans were seen making the Nazi salute during the Euro 2020 qualifier
The behaviour of Bulgaria fans was met with widespread condemnation by players on the field
‘The manager spoke to us after and said there was help there if needed. It’s just one of those things that happened.’
The England players were offered counselling by the FA in the aftermath of the game in a bid to help those affected by the abuse.
‘The whole sort of set up of the FA and the manager and the people around us made it clear that if we need to [seek help] we can. We have good staff and team-mates around us to talk to if we need to.’
And it’s not just in England where racism has reared it’s ugly head.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was racially abused during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.
Alfredo Morelos was allegedly the target of racist abuse from Hearts fans in Sunday’s 1-1 draw
Hearts have vowed to root out the racists after opening an investigation into allegations after the Colombian striker was allegedly targeted by punters during goal celebrations following his equaliser.
Hearts issued a statement declaring: ‘The club is aware of the incident in question and is currently investigating it.
‘It goes without saying that Heart of Midlothian Football Club utterly condemns any form of racism — and any individuals found guilty of such an offence will face an indefinite ban from Tynecastle Park.’