Nigeria Content Online

The
management of English Premier League side, West Ham United are
investigating claims by the family of their Nigerian forward, Obinna
Nsofor, that they were racially abused by spectators during last
weekend’s game against Manchester United.

A similar
allegation was also levelled by the family of the club’s French
forward, Frederic Piquionne, against a section of the home fans during
Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Upton Park.

And the London
based club’s co-chairman, David Sullivan, says he is “appalled” by
allegations that racial abuse was directed towards the families of both
players.

A statement on the
club’s website read that the club is searching for more evidence, after
a small group of supporters allegedly racially abused the families of
both players, who were sitting in the corporate box in the West Stand
during the loss to Manchester United.

CCTV footage is being studied and stewards are being interviewed but Sullivan has already spoken out on the matter.

“If these
allegations are found to be true, then it appals me,” he told the
Evening Standard. “I believe all human beings are equal. We are all
born with different physical attributes.”

He added: “I happen
to be small and I’ve been the subject to many years of ‘heightism’ -a
word I invented -so I know how people feel when they are subject to
this sort of abuse.

“We will be
monitoring CCTV, interviewing stewards and taking strong action against
offenders if these allegations are proved to be correct.

“It is particularly
sad that the families of our players were so treated.” At least one of
the family members left the box to confront the fans and it is believed
an argument broke out.

West Ham launched a
new campaign in their matchday programme on Saturday urging fans to
respect each other. But reports in the British media suggest that the
families of both players are considering making an official complaint
to the club while West Ham officials say that they are investigating
the accusations.

A club spokesman said: “We take these allegations very seriously and
are looking into them. If there is found to be any wrongdoing, then we
will take appropriate action.”