Discrimination: West Ham and Met Police investigate abuse targeted at Liverpool’s Saleh

February 7 – London’s Metropolitan Police and West Ham United are reviewing a video that shows a West Ham supporter directing anti-Muslim abuse at Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

In the mobile phone footage an unidentified West Ham fan can be heard insulting Salah about his Muslim faith as the Liverpool forward prepared to take a corner during Monday’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League between the teams at London Stadium. The video was later circulated widely on social media. 

West Ham were made aware of the video by the FA and in response have launched their own investigation. The club stated that they have “a zero tolerance policy to any form of violent or abusive behaviour. We are an inclusive football club. Anyone identified committing an offence will have their details passed to the police and will face a lifetime ban from London Stadium. There is no place for this kind of behaviour at our stadium.”

Local police have also been made aware of the incident. Kick It Out, a charity monitoring and challenging discrimination in football, issued a statement saying: “We are dismayed to see yet another high-profile incident of discrimination in English football. We are pleased that West Ham officials have expressed their determination to identify the supporter and take firm action – this type of behaviour is simply unacceptable and must be challenged swiftly and decisively.”

Last year Salah enjoyed a stellar 12 months as he was named PFA Player of the Year, Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season after setting a new goalscoring record with 32 goals in the season. Salah is considered a role model, who has forged bridges between different cultures and lifted Liverpool’s club status. 

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1711619678labto1711619678ofdlr1711619678owedi1711619678sni@o1711619678fni1711619678