Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield has described the racist abuse aimed at Chris Forino as ‘abhorrent’ following the club’s away draw at Blackpool.
The Chairboys held the ex-Premier League side to a 0-0 stalemate at Bloomfield on Easter Monday [April 1], as the Adams Park team remain 13th whilst the Tangerines sit ninth.
However, the match was overshadowed after Forino reported to the matchday officials of a discriminatory remake made towards him during the opening period.
An announcement has been made over the PA system at Bloomfield Road to report any discriminatory chants/abuse.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) April 1, 2024
There was a long discussion between Chris Forino, both sets of managers and the officials towards the end of the half.#Chairboys
The Saint Lucian centre back played for the remainder of the encounter and put in a brilliant display to help the Chairboys secure their 16th clean sheet of the season in all competitions.
Speaking after the draw, Bloomfield said: “Chris has heard some racial abuse from behind the goal which he reported.
“He dealt with it extremely maturely and fair play to him for how he dealt with it, as he cleared his mind to play.
“It's abhorrent in my mind that we live in a society where people think this behaviour is acceptable.
Wycombe Wanderers are dismayed to confirm that a racist remark was directed at Chris Forino by a Blackpool supporter during today’s League 1 fixture at Bloomfield Road.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) April 1, 2024
The player reported the incident to the match official at the time and the club will work with Blackpool to… pic.twitter.com/mffXkiGEzp
“Football is for all as it doesn’t matter your age, creed, colour or sexuality.
“It’s our national sport and we need to protect it.”
Wanderers have also released a statement following the incident.
They said: “Wycombe Wanderers are dismayed to confirm that a racist remark was directed at Chris Forino by a Blackpool supporter during today’s League 1 fixture at Bloomfield Road.
“The player reported the incident to the match official at the time and the club will work with Blackpool to help identify the individual responsible.
Blackpool Football Club is dismayed to confirm that a racist remark was directed at Wycombe player Chris Forino by a supporter during today’s League One fixture at Bloomfield Road.
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) April 1, 2024
🍊#UTMP
“Wycombe condemn all forms of discrimination and continues to support the fight to eradicate racism from the sport and society as a whole.
“The club fully stand by Chris and commend him on his actions.”
During the half-time break, an announcement was made over the tannoy asking fans to report any abusive behaviour.
Blackpool manager Neil Critchley said: “I’m more than disappointed – it’s unacceptable.
“We don’t do this at our football club, and we want to support Chris in any way we can
“It has no place in society.”
A statement on the Blackpool website has asked fans to email customerservices@blackpoolfc.co.uk if they have any information.
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