West Ham have reported a number of racist and abusive messages directed at defender Hawa Cissoko after she was sent off in their 2-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend.
The France international was involved in an altercation with Villa’s Sarah Mayling where she appeared to strike her opponent in the face. Cissoko was subsequently dismissed and involved in a further melee with the Villa bench as she made her way towards the tunnel.
In the aftermath of the game, the 25-year-old has been subjected to hateful comments online, some of a racist nature. West Ham say the abusive messages have been passed on to the police and reported to the respective social media outlets.
They said in a statement on Thursday: “West Ham United can confirm that we have reported a number of racist and abusive messages directed at our player Hawa Cissoko following Saturday's Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa.
“The 25-year-old defender received a red card for clashing with an opponent in the closing stages of the Hammers’ battling 2-1 victory at the Bescot Stadium.
“While we in no way condone Hawa’s actions on the pitch, for which she has apologised, everyone at the club is disgusted by the hateful content of the online messages subsequently sent to her. They have been passed directly to the police and reported to the relevant social media companies.
“There is no place for this in society and we condemn it unreservedly. Hawa continues to receive the full support of everyone at the Club, including through our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme, which provides care and protection for the wellbeing of all staff.
“West Ham United continues to be unequivocal in its stance - we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Football Club, and we urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen their measures to prevent this abhorrent behaviour.”
Cissoko herself has issued a message on social media and says she regrets her actions. She went on to thank those who have shared their support in light of the abusive messages.
“I would like to express my sincere regret for my actions towards the end of the match on Saturday,” she wrote. “There was no excuse for my reaction, especially as I am considered to be a role model to others.
“I would like to apologise to my opponent, my team-mates and our supporters. In contrast to those finding pleasure in sending me abusive and hateful messages, a massive thankyou to those who have sent me words of support.”
