STARS SUFFER RACIST ABUSE
WALES youngsters Rabbi Matondo and Ben Cabango have revealed they received shocking racist abuse after the win over Mexico on Saturday night.
The gifted 20-year-olds, who are both from Cardiff, each took to social media to share comments made about them.
Winger Matondo, who is with Stoke, and Swansea City defender Cabango, had each started the friendly game at Cardiff City Stadium which saw Wales triumph thanks to a Kieffer Moore goal.
They helped a largely secondstring Wales side achieve a win against a side ranked ninth in the world.
Matondo shared a comment made on his Instagram page, where he responded, ‘Disgraceful,’ using emojis of an angry face and a disbelieving hand over his face.
He said in response to the vile abuse: “And so 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 also went public to share what was said about him, saying: “It’s 2021 and it’s still happening.”
Welsh football fans quickly rallied around to offer their support to the youngsters, angrily condemning the racist remarks.
A Swansea City club statement read: “Swansea City is disgusted by racist abuse received by Ben Cabango via social media following Wales’ friendly fixture against Mexico.
“Once again, we call on social media companies to take responsibility and introduce more stringent safeguards and punishments in order to eradicate such appalling conduct on their platforms.
“Swansea City condemns racism and abuse of all kinds because it has no place within football and wider society.
“We fully backed the EFL’s recent open letter to social media companies and reiterate our desire to see change.
“Ben has the full unwavering support of everyone at the football club and we will work with the relevant authorities on this matter.”
“As a football club we are appalled by this. No-one should have to endure this type of abuse,” said Swansea City chief executive Julian Winter.
“Ben is representing his country, he 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.”
Cabango was originally spotted by Swansea City and after a spell with Welsh champions TNS he made his Championship debut last season, quickly establishing himself as part of the side.
He was one of the standout performers for Wales against a good Mexico team who had boasted a phenomenal record heading into the Cardiff game, winning 18 and drawing one of their previous 19 matches.
Matondo came through the Cardiff
City academy before a move to Premier League giants Manchester City.
As a teenager he earned an £11 million move to German club Schalke and is playing the second half of the current campaign with Stoke in the Championship.
Matondo played the bulk of the game against Mexico before being replaced by Gareth Bale.
And so 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 Matondo Instagram post