- Former Chelsea captain John Terry and ex-Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora have offered their support for Mikel Obi after he suffered racial abuse in Turkey on Monday.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry and ex-Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora have offered their support for Mikel Obi after he suffered racial abuse in Turkey on Monday.
Mikel was racially abused on social media after his club Trabzonspor defeated Fenerbache 2-1, where he had a bitter exchange with Fenerbache captain Emre Belozoglu.
After Trabzonspor condemned the racial abuse, announcing they have filed criminal complaints against those concerned, Mikel took to Twitter to comment.
“We are all one and equal. It’s just a game at the end of the day #saynotoracism,” the former Super Eagles captain posted on Instagram
His post drew comments from many, including Terry, who replied, “I’m with you my brother, love you mate.”
Zokora also offered his support to the ex-Chelsea midfielder in a post on his Twitter page.
“Racism, insults and swearing are bad. As long as we exist in life, we can experience them at any time.
Obi, you are a legend footballer for Africa. Now focus on football and work harder for Trabzonspor. Bring new victories to millions of Trabzonspor fans. I’m always with you,” Zokora tweeted.
Mikel’s teammate, Joao Pereira also offered support to the ex-Eagles player, saying the racist abuse was “sad and unacceptable.”
“Football is much bigger than the little people behind these unfortunate acts,” he wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Emre has denied racially abusing Mike; explaining why both players clashed.
“Some of my teammates remained on the field after the game had ended, when I saw that there were some Trabzonspor players running towards them, I went there as a captain and as a big brother,” Emre was quoted on Fanatik.tr.
“I did not have a negative dialogue with him (Mikel).”
