Manchester United are launching an investigation into alleged racist abuse of midfielder Jesse Lingard. It is alleged that some fans abused the 27-year old after United’s 3-0 victory over Derby County last night.
Manchester United to Investigate Jesse Lingard Abuse
Targetted Abuse
After the win over Derby last night, videos surfaced on social media showing fans hurling abuse at Lingard. The United team were getting back on the team bus after securing their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. A dominating voice in the crowd continuously shouted profanities at the midfielder. All this was while he was signing autographs as he got back on the bus.
Lingard’s lack of form is not a reason to pick on him, however. Footballers go through struggles. Everyone has good days and bad days at work. Some of the visible abuse on social media towards United players is vile, displaying the very worst of fan culture.
Another Step Backwards for Football
These allegations are yet another smear on the English game. These are not even the first allegations of abuse towards Lingard this season. In Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City, he and Fred claimed they were racially abused too. That is two complaints within three months. On this occasion in December, Lingard tweeted: “Not even this idiot can ruin tonight’s feeling, shameful behaviour, it may be the derby but there is never ever a reason to be racist!”
There has been a 50% rise in racist incidents in English football over the last season. When English football claims to be pure and well-behaved over other countries, we must look out ourselves. The English FA rightly condemned the actions of Bulgaria fans when England played them in October. However, the FA must first set an example by clamping down on domestic racist incidents. This rise simply cannot go on.
Jesse Lingard is a Mancunian at heart. He is one of United’s own. Hurling abuse at anyone is bad enough, but to racially abuse someone because of their form is despicable, especially when Lingard will be just as disappointed in his last 12 months of football.
Manchester United are contacting Derby County about the incident and will try to find the perpetrators of the abuse which took place outside Pride Park.
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