West Ham hand evidence to police over alleged abuse of Mohamed Salah

West Ham have handed evidence to the Metropolitan Police after investigating the apparent Islamophobic abuse of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah by one of their fans.

After Monday’s game at the London Stadium, a video emerged in which someone is heard shouting apparent abuse at Salah as the Egyptian forward took a corner. The incident, which occurred during the first half of the 1-1 draw, was captured in a video posted on Twitter.

In the footage, recorded in a home area of the ground, someone is heard shouting “Salah, you fucking Muslim, fucking Muslim cunt”. According to West Ham sources, the club believe they have identified the person responsible for the alleged abuse.

“After a thorough and immediate investigation following the abhorrent racist abuse aimed at Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah on Monday night, West Ham United can confirm that it has handed evidence to the Metropolitan Police,” the club said.

“The club is unequivocal in its stance – such abuse will not be tolerated. There is no place or excuse for this kind of behaviour.”

Number of incidents ‘alarming’, says Fare Network director

Piara Powar, the executive director of anti-discrimination charity Fare Network, has said the number of recent incidents of reported racism is “alarming”, and added that closing stadiums may be the logical next step in combating abuse.

The incident during West Ham’s home game with Liverpool, which led Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini to demand a life ban for the culprits, follows allegations of discriminatory chanting by Chelsea and Millwall supporters in recent months.

“The number and frequency of recent incidents in England is quite alarming,” Powar said. “Football seems to have a rump of fans who have trouble accepting the diversity of our country. I also think it points to the divisions that have opened up in the UK since Brexit. “I think the FA must get a grip on the problem,” Powar added. “They do a lot of good work but they should use the powers they have to close stadiums and ban and fine clubs. The FA regulations allow for it but these measures are rarely used.” PA