Manchester United see red over ‘abuse’ of short player

MANCHESTER UNITED have warned their fans about “discriminatory language” after a Wolves footballer was apparently mocked over their height at Old Trafford.

An email from the club was sent to members sitting in the area where teasing was heard being aimed at an unidentified player. United lost the match 1-0 on Jan 3, with João Moutinho scoring the winner for Wolves.

Complaints were made after the match when it was too late for United stewards to speak to the individuals responsible for the abuse.

“[A] section of the crowd at this fixture used discriminatory language that was directed towards a Wolverhampton Wanderers player in relation to his height,” an email to fans. said.

“Manchester United is fully committed to ensuring that any form of discriminatory abuse and/or offensive behaviour is eliminated and appropriate action may be taken against any individuals that are identified as participating in discriminatory and/or offensive chanting or behaviour.

“In the event that you should witness [this] prohibited discriminatory or offensive behaviour please ensure you report this via manutd.com/seered.”

Although it is not known which Wolves player was mocked for his height, match-winner Mountinho is one of the shortest players in the squad.

The club also has the shortest player in the Premier League – Daniel Podence,

‘A section of the crowd used discriminatory language towards a Wolves player in relation to his height’

who stands at 5ft 3in. The tallest player in the top tier is Brighton’s Kjell Scherpen, who stands at 6ft 8in.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph in 2016, Peter Crouch, the former Tottenham, Stoke and Liverpool striker, told how his height – 6ft 7in – had made him a magnet for abuse in his career.

“I took it to heart early on,” he said. “I admit there were times when I doubted myself. And once you’ve played for England, it goes off the scale.

“I got booed by my own fans when I came on in my first game for England.”