Memphis Depay hits out after Excelsior striker walks off after alleged racist abuse

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Memphis Depay has called for action to be taken after Excelsior striker Ahmad Mendes Moreira walked off in a game against Den Bosch after allegedly being racially abused by supporters.
Moreira was consoled by team-mates as he left the pitch following an incident near the home fans in the Eerste Divisie - the Dutch second division - clash. The game continued after a delay, with Moreira scoring to put his side 2-1 ahead in a match which eventually finished 3-3.
The Dutch FA has confirmed that it is investigating the incident and said the protocol for dealing with such instances was implemented correctly by the match officials.


Den Bosch released a statement on Twitter saying they had launched an investigation and that the club condemns racism, while Depay tweeted that he was "sick and tired" of seeing such scenes and called on UEFA and the Dutch FA to act.

He said: "I'm sick and tired to see these images over and over! When is it going to stop!!? #SayNoToRacism @KNVB @OnsOranje @UEFA what we going to do? Especially with the upcoming @EURO2020."


Memphis Depay has called for action to be taken

A KNVB statement said: "There is no room for racism in football. Unfortunately, racism is a social problem that sometimes also arises in football. This is at odds with what we want with sport: connecting people. That is why we are taking a crackdown on racism.

"Our protocol for supporters chanting has been used correctly on Sunday afternoon. Together with the club, we are now looking at how the perpetrators can be traced and dealt with. Finally, this incident will be further investigated through the independent disciplinary system."

During the delay, referee Laurens Gerrets spoke to Fox Sports and revealed he was worried for the safety of Moreira, that he was too emotional to carry on playing and that the player was getting more and more upset.

He said play continued for a minute but the songs did not stop so action was taken. The referee said he left the decision over whether to continue the game to Excelsior and they said they wanted to carry on.
A Den Bosch tweet said: "The statements by Excelsior player Moreira prompted FC Den Bosch to conduct a further investigation to find out what exactly was called from the stands. FC Den Bosch emphasizes once again that it distances itself from discrimination and racism."

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