Chelsea have condemned the ‘completely unacceptable’ abuse of Conor Gallagher following footage of the England international in the tunnel with a young mascot before the Burnley game.
Gallagher has been hounded on social media ever since because the captain accidentally blanked a high-five from the youngster, which led trolls to accuse the 24-year-old of racism.
That is despite the entire clip showing Gallagher greeting him beforehand and walking out of the tunnel alongside his companion, as Chelsea went on to draw 2-2 with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
The London club have now released an angry statement in response to the abuse of Gallagher, writing: ‘Chelsea Football Club is aware of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday’s fixture against Burnley, which has been taken considerably out of context.
‘The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.
Chelsea have condemned the ‘completely unacceptable’ abuse of Conor Gallagher, who was accused of being ‘racist’ on his social media accounts after allegedly ignoring a black mascot
The young mascot raised his hand for a handshake from Gallagher but was initially ignored in a clip that was then widely circulated on social media
‘We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.’
As Gallagher prepared to lead the team out at Stamford Bridge, the young mascot raised his hand hoping for a handshake.
But Gallagher appeared to ignore him and instead put his arm around another mascot standing alongside him in the tunnel.
Even though a later picture showed Gallagher with his arms around both mascots a few seconds after the original clip, his social media has been flooded with accusations he is ‘racist’.
