SOUTH WALES POLICE are investigating the racist abuse sent online to Welsh stars Rabbi Matondo and Ben Cabango following the 1-0 friendly win over Mexico.
The Football Association of Wales are ‘disgusted’ after winger Matondo and centre-back Cabango, both 20, were attacked by vile trolls just hours after Saturday’s victory in Cardiff.
Matondo posted ‘Disgraceful’ on Instagram after he was called a ‘n*****’ while Cabango’s post on the same social media platform read: “It’s 2021 and it’s still happening” in reply to a vile message which read: “f****** monkey’.
Wales caretaker boss Robert Page and his staff spoke to both players about the racially motivated abuse before training today and the FAW condemned the attack and called on social media platforms to take stronger action.
A Welsh FA statement read: “The Football Association of Wales is disgusted by the racial abuse received by national team players via social media after last night’s game.
“Racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour are wholly unacceptable and the FAW condemns it completely. The FAW are in dialogue with South Wales Police to ensure this kind of abhorrent behaviour is reported and investigated.
“The FAW joins other national associations and clubs in urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and urgent action against this despicable behaviour.”
Matondo, on loan at Stoke from Schalke, added on his Twitter account: “And it continues…another week of @instagram doing absolutely nothing about racial abuse. My insta will get taken down if I post any clips from my games though… #priorities”
Cabango set his Insta account to private and the Swansea defender received support from his club.
Swans chief executive Julian Winter said: “We are appalled by this. No-one should have to endure this type of abuse. Ben is a proud Welshman and it is a proud moment for him and his family. Sadly, instead of talking about football we are once again talking about this disgusting abuse that continues to tarnish the game and society.
“Social media companies now have to act. Words are no longer sufficient – they have to go above and beyond to impose suitable restrictions and combat such abhorrent levels of abuse. We will support Ben unequivocally on this matter and back him in every way possible.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lloyd Williams of South Wales Police said: “Confronting hate crime is a challenge for everyone in South Wales – not just for the police – and we all have a responsibility to challenge prejudice and insist that our communities live up to the best standards of our traditions of tolerance and solidarity.
“South Wales Police has designated football liaison officers who work with clubs throughout the force area, including the Welsh FA, to help prevent and deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Tackling hate crime has always been a priority for South Wales Police – this behaviour is something that will not be tolerated in our community.”
A Facebook company spokesperson said: “We don’t want racist abuse on Instagram and have removed the accounts that sent these messages to Ben Cabango and Rabbi Matondo this weekend.”
Cabango could be in hot water with Fifa after television pictures picked up his ‘middle finger’ gesture at Mexico’s Hirving Lozano.
Wales beat Mexico thanks to Kieffer Moore’s 11th-minute goal as Chris Gunter became the first Welshman to win 100 caps.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
