Harry Diamond
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on the ‘disgraceful’ racial abuse suffered by Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial following Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.
Tuanzebe and Martial were targeted by racists on social media following the defeat to the Blades on Wednesday night, after both players started the shock loss to Chris Wilder’s side at Old Trafford.
Several leading names have since come out to condemn the abuse with teammate Scott McTominay writing on social media that he was ‘disgusted’ by the incidents, whilst former defender Rio Ferdinand called the abuse a ‘disgrace’.
Solskjaer has now spoken on the abuse and says the comments directed towards his players were both ‘unacceptable’ and ‘disgusting’, insisting the club will stand behind the players in the continued fight against racism and discrimination.
“It’s just incredible we have these scenes still, this abuse in 2021,” Solskjaer told a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Arsenal.
“We’ve been campaigning for a long time now with the Premier League and I think it’s working, but there are still some people that haven’t got it. They hide behind social media, be anonymous and it’s unacceptable and it’s disgusting.
“They’re not Man United fans when this happens. We’re all standing behind every single one of our players.”
Solskjaer spoke further on Tuanzebe who was substituted during the defeat, the 23-year-old having posted a defiant message against the abusers on his Instagram account.
The Norwegian says the academy graduate is ‘fine’ and says he has spoken to the player, hailing Tuanzebe as a ‘strong character’ and revealing the support the player has had from the club and his family.
“Axel is fine. I’ve spoken to him and, of course, it’s not nice but he’s a strong boy, strong character, got support from his family. We’re a family in the club and his team-mates are family. It’s not something you expect to see now but we’re not surprised. You have to feel sorry for these individuals.”
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