COLCHESTER United goalkeeper Shamal George has been praised by legend Shaka Hislop for the dignity he showed in the face of the alleged racism incident at Barrow.
A complaint of racist abuse directed towards U's keeper George was made by Colchester in the first half of their victory in the League Two encounter, at the Dunes Hotel Stadium.
After referee Simon Mather temporarily halted the game after the abuse was reported, it was formally announced by the Barrow PA system, with the message also declaring that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that any racism should be reported.
George went on to help Colchester claim a thrilling 3-2 victory against Barrow and former West Ham United and Newcastle United keeper Hislop, who is president of the UK’s largest anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card, was full of praise for the young U's shot-stopper.
#ShowRacismtheRedCard President @ShakaHislop sends a message of #Solidarity to @shamalgeorge of @ColU_Official after the #racist abuse he suffered at @BarrowAFC. #BlackLivesMatter @AntiRacismDay @StanCollymore @ColU_FITC @DavidHarewood @chris_kammy @GaryLineker @MichaelRosenYes pic.twitter.com/xiJjZpngSx
— Show Racism the Red Card (@SRTRC_England) September 12, 2021
In a video message on Twitter, former Trinidad and Tobago international Hislop said: “I heard about the racist abuse that you received recently.
“It’s heartbreaking that we’re still having this discussion in 2021.
“I know how difficult it must have been for you to keep playing and as much as you celebrated three points, I know how tough a day it had to be.
“I just wanted to reach out to you and say a couple of things.
“One, firstly, I appreciate your efforts, professionally and personally.
“Professionally, for how you managed to keep yourself together and keep your team in the game, ultimately earning three points as I just mentioned but personally, I know how difficult, how trying it is.
“If it’s any encouragement to you, know this – that there are kids around the world that are seeing your example and drawing inspiration from it.
“There are old guys like me that see what you do and how you do it, the dignity you carry yourself with and we feel heartened.
“We feel positive about the future and what it may hold.
“Your impact goes way beyond the football field, the football stadium and earning three points.
“Keep doing what you’re doing – you’re making us all proud.”
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