Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi was the subject of racist abuse in Trabzonspor 2-1 win over Fenerbahce on Saturday evening.
In what was an emotionally charged match, the former Chelsea player was subjected to racial abuse from the Fenerbache supporters with Trabzonspor confirming they have filed a criminal complaint following the incident.
The former Super Eagles captain was involved in a heated exchange with Fenerbahce midfielder Emre Belözoğlu and had to be calmed down by his teammates.
Although Mikel revealed the former Inter Milan did not racially abuse him, he was targeted with racist abuse by Fenerbache’s fans.
He did not racially abuse me, Mikel told AOIFootball.com. It was just the match tension which caused a little spur of the moment. We just had an argument, but everything is fine now,” He added.
Nevertheless, Trabzonspor have revealed they have filed a criminal complaint, and they expect the culprits to be fished out.
In a statement on their official Twitter page, the club condemned the act, saying there’s no room for racism in football.
Racism is a shelter for helpless and ignorant. We condemn the racist attacks against our player Obi Mikel after the match against Fenerbahçe and we bring to the public attention that a criminal complaint has been filed against the assailants.
Racism is a shelter for helpless and ignorant. We condemn the racist attacks against our player Obi Mikel after the match against Fenerbahçe and we bring to the public attention that a criminal complaint has been filed against the assailants. #WeStandwithObi #SayNoToRacism pic.twitter.com/QSOgPI9fZ2
— Trabzonspor_en (@Trabzonspor_EN_) February 3, 2020
Their statement was echoed by Mikel’s teammate, Joao Periera who said it’s disappointing we are still talking about racism in 2020.
It is sad and unacceptable that in 2020 we’re still facing acts of racism and disrespect like this. Football is much bigger than the little people behind these unfortunate acts. #westandwithobi #saynotoracism pic.twitter.com/sh9mYrJNpX
— João Pereira (@jpsp47) February 3, 2020
Mikel is not the first black player to suffer racism abuse in Turkey with Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue also receiving the same treatment during their time at Galatasaray.
