Following the 1-1 world cup qualifying draw on Wednesday, September 8, The Telegraph reports that England claim defender Kyle Walker was racially abused by Poland’s Kamil Glik, something that the Polish FA strenuously deny.
England Claim Kyle Walker Was Racially Abused During Poland Match
FIFA to Investigate Claims
The match was a fiery contest with Poland tough in the tackle and the officials struggling at times to keep order. Things started to bubble over as the game reached half time, with a number of players involved in a melee where England claim that Kyle Walker was racially abused by Poland’s Kamil Glik.
Glik had been shown by TV cameras appearing to pinch Walker and Walker’s England team mate Harry Maguire on the neck, who was subsequently booked for shoving Glik. At half time, it is reported that the English FA made the complaint about racism to the fourth official Daniel Schlager.
Polish Denial
The Polish players and team officials have vehemently denied any wrongdoing with the manager Jakub Kwiatkowski claiming, as reported by The Express: ”This is complete nonsense. I know the players and they have not done that and nor would they. We completely deny any allegations of wrongdoing.”
The English FA have said they will not comment on the incident any further, and will leave the authorities time to investigate the complaint.
FIFA Response to Kyle Walker Incident
FIFA confirmed on the morning of September 9 that they will investigate the claims that Kyle Walker was racially abused, saying, as reported by The Express: “FIFA is in the process of analysing the official match reports. The relevant information will be assessed by the competent disciplinary bodies in order to decide on next steps.”
Potentially Another Bad Day for Football
Following the issues at the England Vs Hungary qualifying match where Engalnd players were subjected to monkey gestures and chanting, the claims of racism in another match could further damage the work that is being done to oust all forms of discrimination in football.
Should the allegations be proven, FIFA will need to set an example that all forms of discrimination in football and indeed all sports will not and must not be tolerated.
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