DERBY striker Colin Kazim-Richards was racially abused on social media and had to explain the sick messages to his kids.
The forward scored a late equaliser in the Rams’ 1-1 home draw with bitter rivals Forest on Friday night and was sent vile words after the match.
Derby striker Colin Kazim-Richards was racially abused after their draw with Nottingham ForestCredit: Rex Features
Manchester United loanee James Garner scored his first professional goal to give Forest a 34th minute lead at Pride Park.
But one goal was not enough and Kazim-Richards thundered the equaliser past Forest keeper Brice Samba with just six minutes of normal time remaining.
However, County’s joy was marred by the abuse after the game.
A Derby statement read: “Derby County Football Club is disgusted to have learned that one of its players has been racially abused via social media.
“It was brought to the club’s attention on Saturday morning that Colin Kazim-Richards had received racially abusive messages via his social media platforms.
“The abuse received by Colin resulted in him having to have a conversation with his young children to explain why, in this day and age, racism and discrimination still exists.
“It should be clear, there is no place in sport or society for racism.
“Derby County has a zero-tolerance stance to discrimination and prejudiced behaviour and the racial abuse has been reported to the relevant authorities.
“Social media abuse is, sadly, becoming more common and it is all too easy for individuals to hide behind an account. This cannot continue.
“The club has a long-standing commitment to striving for equality and diversity, not only in football but in society, and strongly supports several nationwide campaigns as well as staging its own work in the local community.
“We are united in celebrating our diversity and we stand proudly with Colin, and all our players, to make it categorically clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The news comes just weeks after Man Utd star Marcus Rashford spoke out after similar abuse in the wake of his side’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
And earlier this month police were involved after Southampton’s teenage star Alex Jankewitz, 19, was also racially abused after being sent off at Old Trafford.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
