Clubs condemn racist messages sent to Colin Kazim-Richards
Derbyshire Police say their investigations are ongoing
Last updated 17th Mar 2021
Derby County striker Colin Kazim-Richards received a torrent of racist social media messages on Friday evening after scoring the equaliser in the club's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Both clubs have released statements condemning the abuse.
Derby County said in a statement: "The abuse received by Colin resulted in him having to have a conversation with his young children to explain why, in this day and age, racism and discrimination still exists. "
It should be clear, there is no place in sport or society for racism."
Derby County has a zero-tolerance stance to discrimination and prejudiced behaviour and the racial abuse has been reported to the relevant authorities."
Social media abuse is, sadly, becoming more common and it is all too easy for individuals to hide behind an account. This cannot continue."
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest said in a statement: “Any form of racist abuse is abhorrent and has no place in football or society. The persons involved in this hate crime do not appear to claim to be supporters of our club but, if they are, we will not hesitate in taking the firmest possible action.”
Derbyshire Police have confirmed that they are investigating a number of racially abusive social media messages directed at a Derby player, adding that “No one should be subject to racial abuse or hate based crimes and reports of this nature will always be taken seriously. “