Odisha FC release statement after Diego Mauricio racial abuse incident

A few East Bengal fans made racial comments towards Diego Mauricio.

Odisha FC beat East Bengal 2-1 at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata owing to a late goal by Hugo Boumous. The result ended the Red and Gold Brigade’s three-game unbeaten run as they also lost Madih Talal to an injury.

However, after the game, a new controversy took centre stage in Indian football. Odisha FC striker Diego Mauricio has become a subject of racial abuse as a few East Bengal supporters have targeted the Brazilian footballer.

What happened?

Jeakson Singh Thounaojam was sent off in the 43rd minute after a supposed foul on Diego Mauricio last night. The East Bengal midfielder received a second yellow as he was already booked earlier in the game against Odisha FC.

Replays however showed that Mauricio had made the most out of the incident. While Jeakson’s arm did touch the Odisha FC striker, the Brazilian play-acted as the referee wrongfully sent off the East Bengal player.

The Kalinga Warriors used the sending-off to their advantage as they dominated the possession in the second half and eventually scored the winning goal in the 81st minute. The win took Odisha FC to the third spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) points table while East Bengal remained 11th.

Clearly angry about the red card incident, a few East Bengal supporters took to social media as they directed their frustration towards Diego Mauricio. However, A few fans crossed the line as they resorted to racial comments directed towards the Brazilian footballer for his play-acting in the game.

Odisha FC condemns racism in all its forms and stands with Diego Mauricio 👀🗣#IndianFootball #LetsFootball #ISL #OdishaFC pic.twitter.com/jCvHWdefGs

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) December 13, 2024

Odisha FC release statement to back Diego Mauricio

Following the racial taunts towards Diego Mauricio, Odisha FC have released a statement on social media. The ISL club have backed their striker by denouncing the behavior of the East Bengal fans and have stated that they are providing the Brazilian with their utmost assistance.

The statement read, “It is extremely concerning and intolerable that Diego Mauricio has been the target of recent racial taunts. Any kind of racism has no place in either society or sports. In addition to undermining the spirit of fair play, it goes against the principles of unity, respect, and inclusivity that football is supposed to uphold.”

“Every person needs to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their origin, race, or ethnicity. To ensure that football is a place where all players may flourish without worrying about prejudice or bigotry, Odisha FC and the football community at large must join in denouncing such behavior. In light of Diego’s abhorrent treatment, the club shall be providing him with the utmost assistance.”

It has to be seen if Odisha FC or Diego Mauricio will act further regarding the racial taunts that the player faced in the coming days.

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