Abused player tells racist fans to stay away

Frenchman slams bigots

People who said those things are stuck in the past

A FOOTBALLER has told racist fans to “stay at home” after he suffered foul abuse at a match

Guillaume Keke was targeted during Saturday’s Championship action.

The French-born striker scored twice to propel Dundela to a four-goal home victory over H&W Welders in an East Belfast derby clash.

Keke, who is of mixed-race, was called “a f ***** g m **** y” by a spectator at Wilgar Park late on in the encounter.

The 30-year-old reported the incident to referee Niall Gallagher, who noted it in his match report, while a neutral fan in the stadium also reported the abuse.

Keke told the Mirror: “I have lived in Northern Ireland for years, and I never hear anything like that.

“Saturday was the second time I heard that sort of abuse when in this country.

“The people who have said those things are old, they are stuck in the past and do not understand life. I want to live in a place where everyone is equal and they are not judged by their colour, their religion or anything.

“I do not have the time to judge anyone.

“If you are going to a football match then come to enjoy the game.

“If you want to be abusive, then just stay home.

“My life is happy and everything is going well – both personally with my family and professionally with my club, my teammates and my manager.

“That is what is important to me, and those comments are nothing.”

Keke – who has played for multiple clubs in Northern Ireland and his native France – joined Dundela last year from Dungannon Swifts.