Linfield say they “will investigate further” an incident at the end of Friday’s Irish Premiership derby at Windsor Park when “an individual was removed from the ground” after Glentoran’s Fuad Sule alleged that he was racially abused by a spectator.
In a statement on his X account, Sule said that he was aware that emotions ran high in matches between the Belfast rivals but would not accept being racially abused.
“I’m a big ambassador of kicking racism not only out of football but out of life in general. It’s embarrassing that it still happens today, a good game with an electric atmosphere has turned sour,” said the Glens midfielder.
“There’s a lot of good, honest people that I know very well at Linfield with integrity and class but one individual has tarnished the whole Linfield Football Club’s name for me.” he added on his social media post.
Speaking later on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sportsound programme, Sule said he felt compelled “not to let the issue slide” for the sake of others who may find themselves in a similar situation.
“I wanted to be true to myself, I’m obviously very passionate about the topic in terms of where I’m from and my heritage, I’m very proud of that, so it’s something I thought I had to bring up and say,” he explained.
“I just needed to point out that it’s not something I’d stand for. Just to say if it ever happens to others there is a platform for them to speak out and be listened to.
“The support from everyone has been overwhelming so far.”
A statement from Linfield read: “Linfield Football Club is aware of an incident which occurred at the end of last night’s match with Glentoran in which an individual was alleged to have racially abused an opposition player.
“An individual was removed from the ground last night and the club will investigate further.
“Linfield Football Club is opposed to all forms of racism and we will treat the matter with the utmost seriousness.”
A statement from the Northern Ireland Football League said: “We will review the Match Observer’s report from last night’s game and take the appropriate action necessary.
“There is no place for racism within the NI Football League.”
On Saturday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said it had not received a report about the incident but added officers were aware of it and had been making enquiries.
The game ended in a 3-1 victory for Glentoran.