30 May 2023 , 15:48
615
0
Coventry have said they are "sickened" and "saddened" to learn that Fankaty Dabo was subject to racist abuse following the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
Dabo missed the Sky Blues' sixth penalty to send Luton to the Premier League as Rob Edwards' side won 6-5 in the shootout. The game finished 1-1 after 120 minutes with Gustavo Hamer cancelling out Jordan Clarke's opener, but it was the Hatters who came out on top.
After the game, Dabo was subject to racist abuse. Coventry released a statement on Tuesday to confirm that they are aware about Dabo's situation and the abuse aimed at him. A club statement read : "The messages sent by some individuals to Fankaty are abhorrent.
"We are clear that there is no place for racism in our society and that the Club and our partners will provide all of support to Fanky that he needs. The Club will work with the PFA, EFL and the Police regarding this matter, and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages. Many Sky Blues supporters sent supportive messages to Fanky following the game and we thank them for doing so."
Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said: "The messages sent to Fankaty were disgusting and there is no place for any person who sent such vile abuse at any of our games, and social media is not a hiding place to make these comments. The Club and our partners will support Fankaty, and we will not hesitate in taking action against those people found to have done this.
Jordan Nobbs sent message by Lionesses legend ahead of Arnold Clark Cup
"Coventry is a tolerant and multi-cultural city that we are proud to represent, and there is no place any form of racism or discrimination in person or on social media."
Fankaty Dabo missed the crucial penalty at Wembley (Getty Images)The Sky Blues later revealed that Dabo has been released and will not be handed a new contract. The 27-year-old came on as a substitute at Wembley - but the penalty miss will prove to be his final act in a Coventry shirt. Julien Dacosta, Todd Kane, Sean Maguire, Michael Rose, Martyn Waghorn and Tyler Walker will also leave Coventry following the conclusion of their contracts.
Manager Mark Robins said: "I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions that they have made to Coventry City, and wish them all of the best for their future careers.
"In particular, Fankaty Dabo and Michael Rose were huge parts of the side that won the League One title and then established us in the Championship. They will both be fondly remembered for many years to come by all Sky Blues fans, and the outpouring of support for Fanky from our supporters following Saturday goes to show the esteem he is held in.
"I would also like to thank Jonathan, Callum, Brooke, Josh and Luke for the contributions they made this season while on loan with us, and their parent clubs too."