April 23 – Chelsea have said they are “disgusted by the racial abuse directed towards Nicolas Jackson via social media” following their FA Cup semi-final defeat by holders Manchester City on Saturday.
The 22-year-old forward failed to convert several opportunities at Wembley, leading to his team’s exit from the cup with a 1-0 loss. Following the match, he faced online abuse from a number of Instagram users.
The racist comments were left on an Instagram post he had made following last week’s victory over Everton, in which he scored his 10th Premier League goal of the season.
“Chelsea Football Club is disgusted by the racial abuse directed towards Nicolas Jackson via social media, following Saturday evening’s game,” said a Chelsea statement.
“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we operate a zero-tolerance approach to any incident of this nature.
“The club will support any criminal prosecutions and take the strongest possible action, including bans, against any individual who is found to be a season ticket-holder or member.”
Senegal forward Jackson, joined Chelsea from Spanish side Villarreal last summer and has since scored 13 goals, with 10 in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Pochettino, who has rarely escaped the firing line after his rocky Chelsea career so far, was quick to praise the Senegalese international’s first season in West London.
“He’s our main striker, the only striker we have fit,” said Pochettino, before his side’s trip to Arsenal on Tuesday.
“He’s doing fantastic. He’s doing an amazing job for the team; running, scoring goals, giving assists. His first season, a young guy, came in from Spain, even with not too much experience there.
“If we want the player to match the iconic players here, if we compare him with [Didier] Drogba, obviously he’s going to lose.
“But he’s going to have all my support. Even if he doesn’t score, the way that he’s fighting for the club and his team-mates, he’s producing chances.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713943744labto1713943744ofdlr1713943744owedi1713943744sni@g1713943744niwe.1713943744yrrah1713943744