Patrick Vieira walks Manchester City players off pitch after alleged racial abuse against Seko FofanaManchester City and Patrick Vieira took the decision to abandon their Under-21 pre-season friendly against HNK Rijeka after midfielder Seko Fofana was allegedly the victim of racial abuse.
Vieira, whose Elite Development Side are currently on a 10-day pre-season training camp in Croatia, entered the field to speak to the referee after Fofana was sent-off for lashing out at an opponent.
The former Arsenal enforcer acted, with the unilateral backing of management staff, after 19-year-old Fofana claimed he was racially abused prior to the incident.
A City club statement: ‘Manchester City’s EDS U21 game with HNK Rijeka has today been cancelled due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the Club’s young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.
‘Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half of the game, being played in Novigrad, Croatia, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game.
‘Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.’
HNK Rijeka, however, appear to have distanced themselves from speculation that one of their players made racist comments towards Frenchman Fofana.
A statement on their website read: ‘Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira entered the field, something was discussed with the referee, and then to the amazement of a well-filled stadium he took his team off the pitch. What are the reasons? They are known only to him.’
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