Rams condemn racist abuse of player on social media following derby

DERBY County have condemned racial social media abuse received by striker Colin Kazim-richards following the game against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

The forward (pictured) scored the equalising goal in the 1-1 draw at Pride Park on Friday night with just six minutes left to play. The Rams say that the abuse has been reported to the relevant authorities and that they will take a “zerotolerance” stance to discrimination and prejudiced behaviour. The club issued a statement saying: “Derby County Football Club is disgusted to have learned that one of its players has been racially abused via social media.

“It was brought to the club’s attention on Saturday morning that Colin Kazim-richards had received racially abusive messages via his social media platforms. The abuse received by Colin resulted in him having to have a conversation with his young children to explain why, in this day and age, racism and discrimination still exists. It should be clear, there is no place in sport or society for racism.” The club also said that something has to be done about people receiving abuse on social media platforms. Social media abuse is, sadly, becoming more common and it is all too easy for individuals to hide behind an account. This cannot continue,” they said.

“The club has a long-standing commitment to striving for equality and diversity, not only in football but in society, and strongly supports several nationwide campaigns as well as staging its own work in the local community.

“We are united in celebrating our diversity and we stand proudly with Colin, and all our players, to make it categorically clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”