‘Time delay booing’ Fotheringham victimized by racism
Tottenham’s ‘miracle come-from-behind’ win left a sour taste in some fans’ mouths.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has been subjected to racial abuse. Fotheringham started and played the full match against Tottenham Hotspur in the fifth round of the 2023-2024 English Premier League (EPL) season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, on Sept. 16 (ET).
After the game against Tottenham, he said on his social media, “I don’t mind opposing fans calling me all sorts of names. But racism and threats to my family are two different things. Think before you write,” he wrote angrily.
Sheffield, promoted to the top flight this season, missed out on their first EPL win in as many days. A tight defense kept Tottenham at bay. Fotheringham’s goalkeeping was stellar.
Gustavo Hamer opened the scoring in the 28th minute of the second half. There were 12 minutes of second-half injury time. They held on for 98 minutes before crumbling. Tottenham scored back-to-back goals in the 53rd minute and the 55th minute from Dejan Kulicepski to make it 2-1 in dramatic fashion.
However, Fotheringham were booed off the pitch by their own fans for a number of alleged ‘time delays’. Sheffield Wednesday manager Paul Heckingbottom blasted the referee after the game.
“The referee was obsessed with time delays and red cards,” he said, “and Fotheringham were constantly threatened with a yellow card for a handball outside the box.”
Suddenly, a racism controversy erupted. Given the sensitivity of the situation, both Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham released statements.
‘We condemn the racist, abusive and threatening messages sent to Fotheringham,’ said Sheffield, ‘and the club will cooperate with the relevant authorities in their investigation to support Fotheringham. There is no place for racism at our games.
Tottenham also said: ‘We abhor the news that racist, offensive and threatening messages have been sent to Fotheringham following yesterday’s game. The club is firmly opposed to all forms of discrimination and will cooperate fully with Sheffield Wednesday and the relevant authorities in their investigations.
‘We will not hesitate to take the strongest possible action against any so-called fan found to be responsible, including a ban from the club,’ Tottenham added.
Fotheringham, born in 1991, has represented 먹튀검증 England at every age group. A former Fulham youth product, he had spells at Fulham and then Crystal Palace, but mainly spent time on loan in the lower leagues.
After being spotted by Scottish side Rangers, Foderingham made his home in Sheffield in 2020 and last season made 40 appearances in the Championship, helping the club to promotion to the EPL.
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