Vincent Kompany “disgusted” by racist abuse during Belgian match

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BRUSSELS –

Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany has accused rival supporters of abusing him and his players in a Belgian league game this weekend.

The former Manchester City captain said he was the target of racist slurs during the game against Club Brugge and said his players and staff were also victims of racist abuse. He said the Bruges fans were screaming “black monkey” cries.

“I come home disgusted and disappointed,” Kompany told Eleven Sports television. “I don’t want to comment on the game. I just want to meet up with my staff, stay with the people who matter to me. We shouldn’t be going through this anymore.

The son of a black father and a white mother, Kompany was often the target of racist abuse during his playing years. He has long been involved in the fight against racism in football, pushing for more. diversity in the game.

Anderlecht supported the coach’s accusations. The Brussels club said members of the coaching staff were repeatedly mistreated during the match and some players received racist slurs as they warmed up on the sidelines.

“The behavior of some cast a shadow over Belgian football,” Anderlecht said.

Club Brugge issued a statement following the 2-2 draw to condemn “all forms of racism”.

“These individuals are not representative of the values ​​and standards of our club, and have no place at the Jan Breydel stadium,” the reigning Belgian champions said in a message.

Home Secretary Annelies Verlinden said Kompany’s response was appropriate.

“Hopefully he and his team can recover tonight in peace,” Verlinden wrote on Twitter. “The fight against racism cannot tolerate any compromise.

The incident sparked a sharp reaction from Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who accused the Belgian league of leniency in an angry social media rant.

“I hope you realize that an icon like Vincent Kompany has been insulted because of his skin color. Enough is enough! ”Lukaku wrote in defense of his former Belgian national team mate.

The Belgian league has joined in the criticism, saying that racism and discrimination have no place in society and stadiums. He did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press asking if he would open an investigation into the incident.

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