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On Sunday night, following the racist abuse he suffered during Porto's 2-1 victory over Vitoria, Porto forward Moussa Marega took to social media and responded to the Vitoria fans who forced him to walk off the pitch in protest in the 72nd minute.
Marega wrote: “I would just like to tell these idiots who come to the stadium to make racist chants …. go fuck yourself. And I also thank the referees for not defending me and for giving me a yellow card because I defend my skin colour. I hope I never meet you on a football field again! YOU ARE A SHAME!!!!”
Once again, humanity and the world of football has taken several steps backward courtesy of some morons that chant and spew their hatred from behind the wall of crowd psychology. Where, because they are hidden among stands of supporters, they verbally and physically attack an innocent black footballer trying to do what he loves.
After scoring what proved to be the game-deciding goal, Marega celebrated by pointing to his arm to show his skin color. The opposing supporters responded with throwing a seat at the Malian.
One of the worst parts about the incident is, as Marega said, the officials did nothing to protect the player and instead booked him for grabbing the seat thrown at him. It doesn’t appear that any of FIFA’s Racism Protocol was followed like it was for the Tottenham-Chelsea match in December.
Minutes after scoring, Marega walked off the pitch as the racist chants continued despite his teammates trying to keep him on the field. The forward was substituted and, before walking down the tunnel, flashed the Vitoria fans two well-deserved middle fingers.
I support this man. Moussa Marega is a legend for doing this. A victim of racial abuse sticking his middle fingers up to the tossers. Kick racism out of football. pic.twitter.com/vUvZyetaER
— Joe (@JoeWilliam146) February 17, 2020
Numerous clubs, players and figures announced their support for Marega and that they stand with him.
Respect for Marega. Respect for football. Respect for all. pic.twitter.com/eFrSVDlR4j
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) February 16, 2020
We proudly stand alongside Porto striker Moussa Marega. All of us share a responsibility to confront and fight back against racism whenever it occurs.
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) February 17, 2020
We will never cease to fight against prejudice in all its forms as we stand shoulder to shoulder with Moussa Marega and FC Porto. https://t.co/A55uKxYX5l
— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 17, 2020
When are we going to end this?
We firmly stand with Moussa Marega and everyone who has suffered racism on or off a football pitch.#EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/DlMC9XLcYD— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) February 17, 2020
Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa said the incident was "unacceptable" and urged police, football authorities to make an example of those responsible. #RacismOutOfFootballhttps://t.co/3T1nutvocs
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) February 17, 2020
The game ended with Porto scoring two goals and Vitoria scoring one. Nobody wins when incidents like this occur.
