Wydad Athletic Club have condemned the racial abuse directed towards coach Rulani Mokwena during their 2-2 draw with Ittihad Tanger in a league match on Saturday.
The match generated into a feisty affair when officials from both sides engaged in a fight after Mokwena was subjected to some racial slurs during the closely-contested encounter.
It was an ugly scene with Mokwena later expressing his disappointment at the behaviour of their opponents and his club has come out to back him.
“Wydad Athletic Club strongly condemns the unfortunate events that followed the final whistle of the match between our team and Ittihad Tanger Club,” the club said via a statement.
Wydad denounce attempts to divert attention
“Our coach, Mr Mokwena, was subjected to unacceptable racist behavior by a member of the Ittihad Tanger Club staff, who was not part of the staff present on the pitch, but entered the pitch after the match had ended, where his abusive and racist words towards the coach led to some skirmishes between the players.
“Wydad Athletic Club also denounces Ittihad Tanger Club’s attempt to divert attention from this racist behavior by directing public opinion towards other matters and ignoring the essence of the problem, which is the immoral behavior of one of its members.
“We consider these attempts to be an evasion of responsibility and inconsistent with the sporting values that should bring together clubs in fair competition.”
Wydad say they offered their opponents a warm welcome and were saddened by the behaviour of their staff.
What has the Moroccan club said over the incident?
“In this context, we affirm that the Wydad Athletic Club welcomed the Ittihad Tangier team and its officials in an exceptional manner, and responded to all their demands with respect and generosity, in an unprecedented manner,” added the statement.
“Morocco has always been and will remain a land of hospitality and brotherhood, bringing people together in a spirit of respect and coexistence, values that have been the source of strength and identity of our country throughout history.
“Such racist behavior has no place in our country or in our stadiums, and we are committed to preserving the spirit of fair and honest competition.
“While affirming our categorical rejection of these behaviors, we call on the concerned parties to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of the integrity of our sport from anything that harms it.”
The incident drew the spotlight on Morocco who will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
