Super Eagles and Anorthosis Famagusta Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho says he was subjected to racist abuse from the Alki Oroklini fans leading to his sending off on Monday night.
Uzoho spoke exclusively to www.aclsports.com “Their fans behind my goal were very unhappy with me as I celebrated our second goal. They were making the usual chants with one particular fan spitting in my direction. I raised my hands to ask them why but the same individual spat some more”.
Famagusta went on to win the match 3-0 but Uzoho was sent-off following the second goal and his interaction with the fans. “I tried to call the attention of the linesman, he looked at me but looked away. The same fan spat in my direction again and just gave him the middle finger”.
The referee’s attention was drawn to that action of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup keeper and he promptly sent him off
“I know I should not have responded that way and I should have kept my cool but I was provoked. I have learnt my lesson and I believe it will help me in the future”.
Uzoho had just returned to action following the Health Certificate scandal that had threatened to keep him out of action for the rest of the season. This was his second game in that return and now will miss the next three matches.
At a time when there seems to be a main campaign against racist behaviour towards players in Europe, the Nigerian goalkeeper’s claims should be examined and if the Oroklini fans are found culpable they should be punished.
