Fulham’s FA Cup win over Manchester United at Previous Trafford ought to have been a time for celebration for Calvin Bassey.
As a substitute, the Nigerian defender was the sufferer of shameful on-line racist abuse from indignant United followers after his function in Fulham’s shock victory.
Bassey, 24, performed a key half in Fulham’s shock elimination of the present FA Cup champions. He scored the opening aim within the 1-1 draw, and Fulham then received 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Bassey’s header from an Andreas Pereira nook simply earlier than halftime gave Fulham the lead and silenced the United crowd.
Though Bruno Fernandes equalized for United within the second half, Bassey and Fulham’s defence stood robust, forcing additional time after which penalties.
Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, saved essential penalties to safe the win and ship United out of the competitors.
However as an alternative of celebrating his efficiency, Bassey was focused by on-line abuse. Manchester United followers flooded his social media accounts with hateful messages, blaming him for his or her staff’s defeat.
A few of the messages have been racist, whereas others accused him of ruining the FA Cup by serving to to knock out United.
Fulham and several other soccer organisations are anticipated to talk out towards the abuse.
Bassey’s expertise shouldn’t be the primary time a participant has been harassed after an enormous match, highlighting the darkish aspect of soccer fandom the place frustration can result in unacceptable therapy of gamers.
Regardless of this, Bassey is staying targeted on serving to Fulham proceed their robust FA Cup run, displaying resilience each on and off the pitch.
What’s Subsequent for Fulham?
With Fulham now set to face Crystal Palace within the quarterfinals, all eyes shall be on Bassey to see if he can rise above the competitors and the hateful feedback on-line.
