21 January 2024 , 10:21
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South Yorkshire Police are investigating after Coventry star Kasey Palmer accused a fan of 'disgraceful racist abuse' during the Sky Blues' Championship clash at Sheffield Wednesday.
The former Chelsea trainee was reportedly the target of a vile monkey gesture from a member of the home support during his side’s 2-1 victory at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon. Palmer was attempting to retrieve the matchball from behind the touchline and then spotted the action.
He immediately made referee Anthony Backhouse aware and pointed out the fan responsible. The 27-year-old has now taken to social media with a passionate response.
“Disappointed to even have to come on here & write this," Palmer wrote. “Racism is a disgrace… it has no place in the world let alone football.
“I’m black and proud, and I am raising my three kids to be the exact same. I’ll be honest, it feels like things will never change, no matter how hard we try. Couple fans doing monkey chants don’t define a fan base - I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received.”
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South Yorkshire Police have now confirmed an investigation into the incident. They said: "An investigation has been launched into alleged racially aggravated abuse following Sheffield Wednesday vs Coventry City. It's believed a Coventry player was subjected to racial abuse during the match. We will be working alongside the clubs and West Midlands Police to understand the circumstances and identify those involved."
The force also urged anyone with any information to get in touch.
Elsewhere, both clubs have also penned statements in response to the shocking incident. Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that they are working to identify the fan, who will face consequences.
The Yorkshire side said: “Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City are shocked and saddened by the racist gesture from the stands reported by Sky Blues player Kasey Palmer during today’s game at Hillsborough.
Kasey Palmer pointed at the fan before making the referee aware of the gesture (Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)“Both clubs roundly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse, and underline that there is no place for this kind of behaviour in football or our wider society. We will work together with the relevant authorities and anyone proven to be culpable will face the strictest possible sanctions from both Sheffield Wednesday and the law.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Coventry City and the football world in stamping out this abhorrent and wholly unacceptable behaviour.”
Owls Chairman Dejphon Chansiri added: “We absolutely condemn the abuse reported by Kasey Palmer today and stand together with Coventry City in our clear stance that there is no place in football or society for such appalling behaviour.”
Meanwhile, Coventry owner Doug King added alongside a similar statement: “We completely condemn the abuse aimed at Kasey today and will support him following this incident. There is no place for this in football or society and support Sheffield Wednesday and the authorities in taking the strongest possible action.”
The alleged abuse at Palmer came on the same day as AC Milan walked off the pitch against Udinese after goalkeeper Mike Maignan was the target of racist abuse.