Fenerbahce Midfielder Belozoglu Responds To Allegations Of Racist Abuse Aimed At Mikel; Trabzonspor React

Published: February 04, 2020

Fenerbache captain Emre Belozoglu has declared his innocence after he was accused of racially abusing Super Eagles and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel during Saturday's Super Lig defeat to Trabzonspor.

The former Nigeria skipper has claimed that Emre racially insulted him and his family and has demanded justice from the authorities over the incident.

The alleged racist attacks on Mikel did not end on the pitch as he was targeted by Fenerbahce supporters on social media.

"When I saw a fight, I did what I needed to do there as a captain and an older brother. I did not have any negative dialogue with any rival football player,'' Emre was quoted as saying by ODA TV.

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor have issued a statement condemning the racist attacks on their number 12, adding that a criminal complaint has been filed against the perpetrators.

"Racism is a shelter for helpless and ignorant. We condemn the racist attacks against our player Obi Mikel after the match against Fenerbahçe and we bring to the public attention that a criminal complaint has been filed against the assailants. #WeStandwithObi #SayNoToRacism,'' the statement read.

In 2012, Emre was handed a suspended two-and-a-half-month prison sentence for racially abusing Ivorian midfielder Didier Zokora during a match against Trabzonspor.

Igho Kingsley