South African Footballer George Matlou Racially Abused in Portugal
- 22-year-old South African midfielder George Matlou says a referee recently called him a ‘little monkey’ in Portugal
- Currently playing for AD Sanjoanense, Matlou says referee Nelson Cunha used racist words when he addressed him on Sunday
- Matlou’s team AD Sanjoanense has since issued a statement to condemn the incident that happened against São João de Ver
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A South African soccer player based in Portugal has become the latest victim of racism as George Mtlou argues that a referee called him a monkey.
The former Bidvest Wits player’s club, AD Sanjoanense has since released a statement condemning the event, saying they are a big club and cannot just watch and take no action.
According to media reports, the incident happened when the 22-year-old was shown a red card in the latter stages of their clash against São João de Ver where they lost 2-1 on Sunday.
Source: Instagram
It is widely reported that Matlou went to question the official, Nelson Cunha, as to why he was sent to the dressing room, but the official’s reply was an unsavoury one. The club said in a statement:
"AD Sanjoanense hereby comes to show its deep indignation and rejection of the events at the end of the game against São João de Ver.
"Our player, George Matlou, went to referee Nelson Cunha at the end of the match to question why he was sent off, to which he replied, 'No speak English, go inside little monkey.'
"AD Sanjoanense, a historic and almost centenary club, cannot in any way agree with this situation and unconditionally supports the player George Matlou, striving for the determination of the facts and exemplary ban of the official."
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At the same time, the former Cape United midfielder has also shared his thoughts on the incident on social media. He said on Instagram:
"What a disgrace hearing a referee calling me a monkey, yes my parents are black. I support every fight against racism, we are all equal.”
Meanwhile, KickOff has it that the official has since rubbished the claims of but a formal investigation is set to be lodged with the league’s governing body.
Briefly News reported that former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Josè Mourinho has landed two new big jobs barely two weeks after losing his Tottenham Hotspur head coach role.
The 58-year-old Portuguese-born coach joined the SunSport team as an expert columnist for the Euros billed for this summer to analyse and give his opinion on games as they unfold.
Jose has won two Champions League with FC Porto and Inter Milan as well as league titles in Portugal, Italy, Spain, and England and this is one huge reason he is qualified for the role.
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Source: Briefly News
