Nigel Quashie outraged at alleged racial abuse of Juninho Bacuna at West Brom
Nigel Quashie has branded the alleged racial abuse of Juninho Bacuna at West Brom an “absolute disgrace” and called for any perpetrator to be banned for life.
The ex-Albion player reacted on Twitter on 3 February after reports emerged following the 1-0 Baggies win over Birmingham City at The Hawthorns the same afternoon.
West Midlands Police are now investigating and West Brom have pledge to offer their full support, while staying in contact with the Blues to ensure Bacuna is supported [Sky Sports, 3 February].
Quashie wrote: “What Am I Hearing… This is a football club that has done everything to break down barriers in support of all players no matter their background or walk of life.
“To hear this is an absolute disgrace and doesn’t represent what this football club stands for.
“It’s come too far for people like that to step foot in the club ever again. Ban for life & prosecute them because they are not welcome back to this family.
“As an ex player who has always been proud to represent this football club and never experienced racism myself and wouldn’t wish this upon anyone here let alone in football or life. My apologies and thoughts go to Juninho Bacuna and his family.”
Quashie wants ban after West Brom win marred, apologises to Bacuna
There it simply no excuse for racial abuse and this apparent incident has to be dealt with forcefully by the club and the authorities.
From a West Brom point of view it is an embarrassment, not least after the violence in the stands during the FA Cup defeat to Wolves on 28 January.
The club’s history which Quashie refers to doesn’t save it from incidents of this nature and shows that nothing can be taken for granted.
It is easy to fall back on the excuse that it is a small minority, as with last week, among thousands within the ground but that only serves to ignore or minimise the problem, because one is too many and shrugging it off will only see it happen again.
If there is anyone who feels able to dish out racial abuse in that environment at West Brom then it is a problem for the club and the fanbase as whole, just as it also is for society in general.
Rivalry or not it can’t be brushed under the carpet and Quashie’s viewpoint will be shared by many so it is only right that it is fully investigated and dealt with.
In other West Brom news, Gabby Agbonlahor told a journalist to “shut up” over his criticism of a Baggies player vs the Blues.
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