Manchester United on Thursday denounced the racist insults of “mindless idiots” on social networks against their players Alex Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial after the defeat suffered on Wednesday by the Old Trafford team against Sheffield United in the Premier (1-2).
“Everyone at Manchester United is disgusted by the racist insults these players received via social media after last night's game. We condemn them with the utmost firmness, “wrote United, who said they were comforted to see that” other fans also condemn them on social media. “
Two players were particularly targeted: defender Alex Tuanzebe, who had a difficult first start this season, and Frenchman Anthony Martial, whose passivity on the second goal, following a turnover, had been criticized by former United defender Rio Ferdinand in BT Sports.
“Manchester United does not tolerate any form of racism”, and although “identifying these anonymous brainless idiots is difficult”, the club “strongly encourages social media platforms and regulatory authorities to step up preventive measures against this type of behavior”.
Tuanzebe and Martial received the support of their teammates. Scotsman Scott McTominay wrote to Tuanzebe: “Brother, I am disgusted with what I saw this morning.” Capt. Harry Maguire posted a photo of himself on his knees, a tribute to the Black Lives Matter anti-racist movement that takes place before every game, adding “UNITED against racism. We will not tolerate this. “