BORO DEPLORE RACIAL ABUSE OF BOLASIE
MIDDLESBROUGH have condemned the “vile and unacceptable” racial abuse directed to Yannick Bolasie on social media.
Bolasie, on loan at the club from Everton, revealed the abuse he had received in a Twitter post on Wednesday.
In a statement, Boro said the abuse “demonstrates exactly why more has to be done to identify the perpetrators of such comments and bring them to justice”.
The club confirmed the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, by both Bolasie and the club, with the 31-yearold receiving Middlesbrough’s full support.
The statement continued: “It is of great concern to the club that we are witnessing behaviour of this type and it cannot be allowed to continue.
“As our players said when responding to the debate on taking the knee, we now need to see demonstrable actions from those who have the power to implement them rather than further gestures. Actions must speak louder than words.
“We repeat we will not tolerate abuse of any form and any individuals who are identified to us will not only face the prospect of criminal charges, but will also be banned from the Riverside Stadium.”
Instagram confirmed the account in question has been blocked from sending messages for a set period of time following an investigation, and that further violations will result in its removal.
Meanwhile, Boro defender Anfernee Dijksteel has been ruled out for the rest of the season after being injured in his side’s defeat at Swansea.
Dijksteel was caught in an off-the-ball challenge by Ryan Manning inside the opening five minutes and injured his ankle.
Boss Neil Warnock said: “It’s a real blow to lose Anfernee like this.”