Former Ghana under-17 coach Isaac Opeele has courted the fury of some twitter users with his comments on the racist abuse suffered by Porto and Mali winger Moussa Marega in his club’s game against Victoria Guimares.
Marega resisted persuasive attempts by his teammates and opposing players to walk off the pitch in protest of alleged monkey chants targeted at him.
Earlier, the 28-year-old pointed to his skin in response to the abuse after scoring what later turned out to be the winning goal for his side.
Unable to tolerate the abuse any longer, Marega forcibly walked off the pitch, pointing his thumb down and raising his middle finger to the home fans.
The video which has been viral on social media has attracted commendations and condemnations for the player and Guimares fans respectively.
Adding his voice to the list of those who have so far commented on the issue, Opeele who admitted to not being a subject of racism, suggested that players of black race tend to ‘over-react’ to racism chants.
“My 'twin' brother walked off the field in a Porto game. I don't know how it feels but I am beginning to think black players beginning to overreact to this racist chants. We have to leave the decision to the ref or coach to discontinue a game with points deducted”.
His post attracted comments from some twitter users who accused him of speaking out of ignorance.
Below are some of the comments
My 'twin' brother walked off the field in a Porto game.
— Isaac 'Opeele' Boateng (@CoachOpeele) February 17, 2020
I don't know how it feels but I am begining to think black players over react to this racist chants. we have to leave the decision to the ref or coach to discontinue a game with points deducted. pic.twitter.com/8gLAMZR7YJ
— MAN OF PEACE ???????????????? (@hakmens) February 17, 2020
To say they are overreacting is really really problematic...bcos we have tendencies to "overreact" when we face such situations and indeed we often think we are justified.
— Government official 1 (@FirmedFeminist) February 17, 2020
Can you imagine if people look down on you and mock you bcos of your height
How would you react?
— Albert Nii Aborhey???????????????? (@NiiAborhey) February 17, 2020
U de3 i kno u don’t have sense since the 80s. No wonder u failed as a coach.
— ??????????????? (@Mylryker) February 17, 2020
— Albert Nii Aborhey???????????????? (@NiiAborhey) February 17, 2020
