JOHN OBI MIKEL struggled to hold back the tears as he outlined the vile racist abuse he and his family had been subjected to.
The former Chelsea star, 32, was targeted by Fenerbahce fans after Trabzonspor’s 2-1 Super Lig win on Saturday.
John Obi Mikel fought back tears while being interviewed after he was racially abused
And he spoke to Turkish TV to slam the shocking abuse, some of which was aimed at his girlfriend Olga Diyachenka and four-year-old twin daughters.
He said: “A lot has been said about this – the issue of racism but since I’ve been here, my team and colleagues at Trabzonspor have been very nice to me, there’s not been any issue.
“After the game on Saturday I started getting messages on my Instagram, even my girlfriend getting instant messages of racism and hatred.
“Very scary messages towards me and my family and kids. There’s no place for this.
“I don’t think this should be happening and I think these people should be held responsible. They shouldn’t be allowed to come to games.
“I’m very disappointed with this – especially my girlfriend, my family, my kids. They are only four years old, why do you talk about my kids?
“I am very sad about this, it’s a very disturbing time for me.”
Trabzonspor have confirmed an official criminal complaint over the racist attacks.
A club statement read: “Racism is a refuge for helpless and ignorant people.
“Our player, Obi Mikel, condemns the racist attacks after the Fenerbahce match.
“We inform the public that we have filed a criminal complaint against the culprits.”
It has also been reported, but not confirmed, that the former Chelsea man will file his own case to authorities.
Obi Mikel, 32, played the entirety of the match at Trabzon’s Senol Gunes Stadium.
This is his first season in Turkey after leaving Middlesbrough in the summer, making 22 appearances so far.
In an Instagram post following the win, he chose to pay tribute to his team and fans, writing: “Great victory tonight, amazing team spirit, thank you to our amazing fans.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
