Coventry City say they are 'shocked and saddened' by the alleged racist abuse which they entirely condemn; Sheffield Wednesday say they stand 'shoulder to shoulder' with Coventry in tackling the abuse; PFA: Players do not believe action is being taken against racism in the game
Monday 22 January 2024 09:05, UK
Sheffield Wednesday have labelled alleged racist abuse of Kasey Palmer as "abhorrent and wholly unacceptable" and are working with police to identify those responsible.
Palmer went to retrieve the ball from behind the goal, before sharply turning away and motioning towards match referee Anthony Backhouse.
The Coventry midfielder then pointed towards the crowd and appeared to indicate that somebody had made a monkey gesture towards him.
A bottle was also thrown from the crowd, which appeared to strike a Coventry player.
The match was paused as the referee took a moment to speak to both managers on the touchline.
Palmer appeared upset after the game and was comforted by team-mates. After the game, Palmer wrote on X: "Disappointed to even have to come on here & write this. Racism is a disgrace… it has no place in the world, let alone football.
"I'm black and proud, and I am raising my three kids to be the exact same. I'll be honest, it feels like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.
"Couple fans doing monkey chants don't define a fan base - I appreciate all the love and support I've received".
After the match Coventry manager Mark Robins said: "Part of the game is the supporters having a go at individuals whether it is managers, coaches or whether it's players or whatever.
"That's part of it. But when it's racism, it oversteps. Nobody should have to deal with that, nobody on society. There is no place in society for it. I'm hoping they have a clear picture of what has gone on and they deal with it properly, because that is just out of order."
South Yorkshire Police is investigating the incident.
A Sheffield Wednesday statement said: "Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City are shocked and saddened by the racist gesture from the stands reported by Sky Blues player Kasey Palmer during today's game at Hillsborough.
"Both clubs roundly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse, and underline that there is no place for this kind of behaviour in football or our wider society. We will work together with the relevant authorities and anyone proven to be culpable will face the strictest possible sanctions from both Sheffield Wednesday and the law.
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Coventry City and the football world in stamping out this abhorrent and wholly unacceptable behaviour."
A Coventry statement said: "Coventry City are shocked and saddened by the racist gesture directed at our player Kasey Palmer in today's game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
"We entirely condemn the abuse and are totally clear that there is no place for this abuse or discrimination in football or in our wider society. Relevant authorities will now be worked with and we expect action to be taken against any supporter identified."
Doug King, Coventry City owner, added: "We completely condemn the abuse aimed at Kasey today and will support him following this incident. There is no place for this in football or society and support Sheffield Wednesday and the authorities in taking the strongest possible action."
The Professional Footballers' Association released a statement on Monday morning insisting players do not believe action is being taken against racism in the game.
PFA chair Omar Beckles said: "The PFA has been working closely with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), giving insights from a player perspective on protocols for dealing with racist incidents.
"We've encouraged players, when they are aware of racial abuse, to take control of the situation by delaying restarts, free kicks, and throw-ins. A stoppage in play - however long it takes - forces a response. It creates a window to alert match officials and gives the best chance of identifying those responsible.
"However, without action, the protocols are useless. Our members want to see real, consistent and significant consequences for racist abuse, both for the individuals who are responsible and for clubs who fail to get a grip of the issue within their stadiums. The reality is that players don't believe this is happening. The responsibility for what happens next lies with the authorities.
"Kasey Palmer deserves to be commended for his exemplary behaviour and measured response in an extremely challenging situation. Those responsible for this incident were recorded, and they must be identified. They should face criminal charges and a ban from football. The PFA remains resolute against racism and steadfast in supporting our players."
