Cameroon FA condemns racial abuse on Malcom Bokele after red card

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FOOTBALL Cameroon FA condemns racial abuse on Malcom Bokele after red card

Festus Chuma 15:43 - 11.04.2023

The racist and discriminatory messages were sent by some Bastia and Bordeaux supporters.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has released a statement condemning the racist abuse directed at defender Malcom Bokele who is based in France.

The 23-year-old was targeted on various social media platforms after being sent off while playing for Bordeaux in their 2-0 win against Bastia on Saturday night.

The decision to send Bokele off while the racists have been left unpunished has led the FECAFOOT to demand action from French FA.

“The Cameroon Football Federation is aware of the events that occurred after the match of the 30th day of the French Ligue 2 between FC Girondins of Bordeaux and Bastia,” reads the statement signed by the FECAFOOT president Samuel Etoo.

"It has been reported that racist insults were made against the Cameroonian international Malcom Bokele Mputu, member of FC Girondins of Bordeaux.

"The Cameroonian Football Federation expresses its solidarity with Malcom Bokele Mputu and gives him all its support.

It reaffirms that racism has no place in the stadiums and urges the leaders of French soccer to take all measures to put an end to this disrespectful and unacceptable behavior.”

Bordeaux president Thomas Jacquemier has since issued a strongly worded statement on the incident in which they are considering taking action.

“Whatever the game situations experienced on the pitch, nothing can and will never justify racism in football. Having learned of the events that took place after the match, FC Girondins de Bordeaux gives its full support to Malcom Bokele in the face of the racist remarks and insults made against him.

The club is firmly committed to this fight against racism and all forms of discrimination, particularly through its awareness-raising actions as part of its Cœur Girondins commitment program. The club is now considering possible legal action so that the events of this day do not go unpunished,” reads the statement.

Bokele was born in France to a Congolese father and a Cameroonian mother and got his first call-up to the Cameroon U23s in October 2021.

Due to his impressive form in the French Ligue 2, Indomitable Lions coach Rigobert Song called him to the national team in March this year.

The former Metz defender debuted for Cameroon in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification tie against Namibia on Friday 24 March.