Hull City have launched an investigation into allegations that a supporter racially abused Sheffield United player Kyron Gordon.
The Blades moved top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Hull on Sunday, but the match was marred by an incident in the second half following Sander Berge’s goal. Gordon and his teammate Oliver Arblaster were warming up on the touchline when a home fan allegedly abused Gordon.
After the allegation was relayed to fourth official Bobby Madley, referee Matt Donohue held up play for four minutes to speak with Gordon and Arblaster, as well as both team’s managers. Hull have since launched an investigation.
"We've been made aware of an incident in the second half of today's game involving a Hull City fan and an opposition player,” Hull City said in a statement. "The club is working closely with both Sheffield United and Humberside Police to investigate. We will not be commenting any further at this time."
On Monday, Gordon tweeted: “Disappointed what happened yesterday. One idiot who’s ignorant doesn’t reflect the whole of hull city’s supporters, probably celebrating when a black player scores for his team. I know it will get dealt with properly. Thanks for all the messages.”
Oli McBurnie, who tried to console the 20-year-old defender, replied with a love heart emoji, while teammate Iliman Ndiaye also shared his support.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said: “When the lads were warming up, there were allegations of racist abuse. The boys heard these and reported them.
“We’ve just been in with the officials now and they’ll follow the process. We reported it properly. Matt (referee Donohue) was great and showed good empathy for Kyron.
“It is disappointing. We are talking about two young players here. There’s no place for it, both in football. I am not speaking bad here about Hull supporters, I am thinking about football in general.
“We know there is no place for it. It’s not nice. We’ll follow the process, we have gone through the right channels. We will see what happens.” Asked why two players had been spoken to, he added: “Blaster witnessed it. By all accounts, it wasn’t hidden. It was blatantly obvious.”
