Chelsea has criticized the abuse directed at their captain Conor Gallagher after he faced backlash for what seemed like not acknowledging a high five from a Black child just before a Premier League match.
The video was recorded in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge before Saturday’s game against Burnley, where children were lining up to walk out onto the field with the players. Just before the incident, Gallagher had given a high-five to another child, who is white.
The club stated that the video was taken “completely out of context” and condemned the subsequent abusive comments towards Gallagher.
“We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club where people from all backgrounds feel welcome,” Chelsea said in a statement. To clarify, Chelsea shared a photo of Gallagher walking onto the field with both children, showing him with his arms around their shoulders.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino also defended Gallagher, stating, “Conor is a great kid and always cares about everything. I hate how people feel they can freely abuse others on social media.” “It’s sad to think that Conor would intentionally ignore a mascot,” he added.
