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Everton Football Club has vehemently denounced a disgraceful incident of racist abuse targeting their midfielder, Amadou Onana, on social media. In a statement released on Monday, the club expressed its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of discrimination. They are actively engaged in an investigation to identify the individual responsible and have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement.
The official statement from Everton reads as follows: “Everton Football Club unequivocally condemns any manifestation of racist and discriminatory abuse directed towards our players. The club has become aware of a racist post aimed at Amadou Onana. Such behavior is not only abhorrent but also unacceptable. Everton is taking decisive action to identify the perpetrator and is fully supportive of any investigations carried out by the authorities.”
The statement continues: “It is imperative that we collectively adopt a zero-tolerance approach to such conduct by reporting such incidents to social media platforms and the relevant authorities. Racism has no place, be it online, within our stadiums, or within our communities.”
Amadou Onana, a 22-year-old Senegal-born Belgian international, was signed for £34 million from French club Lille last summer. He recently played the entire 90 minutes in Everton’s 4-0 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa. Furthermore, there have been ongoing transfer speculations linking him to Manchester United.
In a related development, Leeds United, a Sky Bet Championship club, has also come forward with reports of online abuse targeted at their striker, Willy Gnonto, who has expressed a desire to leave the club following last season’s relegation from the Premier League. Leeds United has taken immediate action by condemning this racist comment in the strongest terms possible. An investigation has been initiated, with the police duly informed of the incident.
The official statement from Leeds United reads: “A racist comment made on social media towards Willy Gnonto has been brought to our attention. Leeds United condemn this action in the strongest possible way. An investigation is now underway, and the police have been notified. Racism will not be tolerated at Leeds United. The club will extend its full support to Willy Gnonto and anyone associated with our club who faces racism or any form of discrimination.”
Willy Gnonto, a 19-year-old Italy international, had been linked with a transfer to Everton earlier this summer.
