Wednesday, 23rd July, 2014
Manchester City’s Under-21 side walked off the field during a friendly with HNK Rijeka last night after one of their players was allegedly racially abused by an opponent.
19-year-old Seko Fofana, who joined the Citizens from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient in January 2013, was on the receiving end of alleged racial abuse, and was sent off for an off-the-ball incident moments before the match was abandoned.
A statement on the club’s official site read, "Manchester City's EDS U21 game with HNK Rijeka has today been cancelled due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the club's young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.
"Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.
"A decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw from the field and cancel the game."
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HNK Rijeka, who were leading 1-0 when the game was abandoned, however distanced themselves from the incident.
"Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira entered the field, something was discussed with the referee, and then to the amazement of a well-filled stadium he took his team off the pitch”, a statement on the Croatian’s club’s site read.
"What are the reasons? They are known only to him."
Forfana, a France Under-19 international, scored six goals in 20 Under-21 Premier League appearances last term.
The midfielder has a further two years left on his current contract with Manchester City.
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