Andre Gray of Burnley in action against Bradford City on Saturday. John Clifton / Action Images / Reuters / July 23, 2016
Andre Gray of Burnley in action against Bradford City on Saturday. John Clifton / Action Images / Reuters / July 23, 2016

Burnley’s Andre Gray slams racist ’ignorant prats’ after Bradford player receives abuse



Burnley striker Andre Gray has condemned two of his own club's fans as living in the stone age after an incident of alleged racist abuse during the Premier League club's friendly win at Bradford City.

One of the Burnley supporters was ejected from Saturday’s clash at Valley Parade and the club on Sunday confirmed a Bradford player reported the individual to the match officials, claiming he had been repeatedly racially abused.

The supporter has denied the allegations but other witnesses have backed up the complaints of the player.

Gray, who scored twice in Burnley’s 4-1 win, was incensed by the incident and took to Twitter to express his displeasure.

“Well done to the two racist Burnley fans. Still live in the stone ages I see. Ignorant prats,” he wrote.

“It’s alright, you’ve only got black players playing for you anyway,” he added sarcastically.

Another fan left voluntarily and no arrests were made but, in a statement released on Sunday, Burnley offered an apology for the incident.

“We would like to offer our sincere apologies to the player involved and to Bradford City Football Club,” it read.

“We will now be working with the police and Bradford City Football Club, who have CCTV footage of the incident, to hold a full investigation and identify the persons involved, when action will be taken accordingly.”

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

The five pillars of Islam
World Series

Game 1: Red Sox 8, Dodgers 4
Game 2: Red Sox 4, Dodgers 2
Game 3: Saturday (UAE)

* if needed

Game 4: Sunday
Game 5: Monday
Game 6: Wednesday
Game 7: Thursday

The biog

Name: Abeer Al Shahi

Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan

Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.

Favourite activities: Bungee jumping

Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5


Middle East Today

The must read newsletter for the region

      By signing up, I agree to The National's privacy policy
      Middle East Today