FA to investigate Mido abuse
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Football Association are investigating racist chanting directed at Middlesbrough striker Mido during the Tees-Tyne derby against Newcastle on Saturday.
The Egyptian was briefly subjected to Islamophobic taunts while he was warming up at the Riverside, in a repeat of scenes in the same fixture last season.
An FA spokesman told the Daily Telegraph: "We'll have to look at it. We'll speak to the clubs. This will most likely involve working with Newcastle to try to prevent it happening again.
"The police may also be involved in helping identify any offenders because this is potentially a criminal offence. We want to make it clear you can't get away with chants like this."
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is hoping the culprits will be caught but does not believe Newcastle should be punished.
He said: "We have to rise above it. If people want to shout those things it's a reflection on them. There's a danger we go on a witch hunt. What do you do? Punish the club?
"They can't do anything about their travelling fans. It's individual decisions to sing what they want. I don't think that's fair. How can a club the size of Newcastle control individuals?
"It's a sensitive one and I understand the importance, but I don't want to put the pressure on an excellent club like Newcastle."
A spokesman for Newcastle added: "The club does not condone any sort of offensive chanting."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments