Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha reveals racist abuse suffered in draw against Arsenal

Zaha was accused of diving against Arsenal and, in defending himself on Tuesday, subsequently revealed that abuse against him had escalated

Tuesday 30 October 2018 20:48 GMT
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Wilfried Zaha was accused of diving against Arsenal
Wilfried Zaha was accused of diving against Arsenal (Getty)

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Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha revealed he suffered racist abuse and threats to his family after being awarded a late penalty during the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ivory Coast international Zaha was caught by Gunners defender Granit Xhaka towards the end of the Premier League match, with Luka Milivojevic converting the resulting spot-kick to earn the Eagles a point.

Following Sunday's match, Arsenal defender Xhaka said in a post-match television interview he thought the incident had been a "clear penalty".

Nevertheless, Zaha again found himself in the spotlight, with accusations he had gone to ground and after a delayed reaction.

Zaha took to social media to stand up for himself following the match, and subsequently revealed in a post on his Instagram story on Tuesday that the abuse had escalated.

The Palace winger wrote: "For all the people taking it one step further and being racist and wishing death on my family I wish you and your families the best too x p.s my life is still very good despite your hate."

Zaha could be back in action for Palace when they travel to Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough for a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday.

PA

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