![Ivory Coast footballer beaten, subjected to ‘monkey’ chants at local tournament in India [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/16032024/00ba6a56-09b1-46f6-9642-b8a5df8c4e4a.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
A footballer from Ivory Coast was the victim of a mob attack and racial abuse from fans who called him ‘monkey and black cat’ as they beat him up during a tournament in India.
A distressing incident unfolded at a football ground in Kerala's Malappuram district, India, as Diarrassouba Hassane Junior, a footballer from Ivory Coast, became the victim of a vicious mob attack, accompanied by racial slurs.
Hassane Junior, who had been hired by the football club Jawahar Mavoor, found himself targeted during a five-a-side match near Areekode on Sunday 10 March.
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Recalling the horrifying ordeal, Hassane detailed how, amidst a corner kick, he was subjected to racial abuse, including being called derogatory names such as "monkey" by fans and spectators.
“Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag to take the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey,” Hassane Junior said in his complaint to the Malappuram district police chief, as per The Indian Express.
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“One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head. When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.
“In order to save my life, I ran away. The supporters and those belonging to the opposite team hurled stones at me. They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ he said in the complaint.
The attack left him bruised and traumatised. In his statement to the police, Hassane expressed the mental anguish caused by the incident.
“My race and I have been insulted. I was attacked because of the colour of my skin,’’ he added of the unfortunate incident, which has since been forwarded to the Areekode police for further investigation and action.
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Incidents of racism and violence against athletes of African descent are not uncommon, despite their significant contributions to sports in India. In Kerala, players from African countries are often featured attractions in football tournaments, yet they continue to face discrimination and prejudice.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address racism and promote inclusivity in sports and society.
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