Chelsea issue statement condemning racial abuse against Reece James
According to The Guardian, Chelsea have made a strong statement condemning the act of online racial abuse directed at young defender Reece James.
The Chelsea academy graduate shared some of the vile racist messages he received on social media platform, Instagram, on Friday. The England international posted a screenshot of the comments along with a caption “Something needs to change”.
Having taken note of the matter, Chelsea have issued a statement, terming the action disgusting.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening. This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.
James becomes the fourth Premier League player to be targeted by racist comments this week only.
Manchester United duo Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were subjected to vile comments following their 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United. West Bromwich Albion midfielder Romaine Sawyers, too, was targeted by racist abuse.
Chelsea, in their statement called on the social media companies to take concrete action and weed out racism from their platforms.
“We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour. Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”
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Chelsea’s statement echoes those made by Premier League CEO Richard Masters, who earlier called for social media companies to do more in helping the fight against racism in sports.
There is no place for such vile and disrespectful behaviour and a strict action needs to be taken against those involved in such activities. No Room for Racism.