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What's the story?
East Bengal striker Dudu Omagbemi has alleged that he was racially abused by the Red and Gold supporters during their 1-0 win over Aizawl FC in the Super Cup. Dudu missed a host of chances which incurred the wrath of supporters in that game as East Bengal had to toil hard to enter the semifinals of the competition.
The striker has claimed that the supporters hurled racial slurs at him during the game which has left him angered and frustrated. Dudu blasted a section of the East Bengal supporters that decided to cross the limit and allegedly abuse him.
Dudu said, "Well do I need to still show myself of what I am capable of? No, I don’t need to entertain idiots who have no respect for other people. Now the whole world has come to know who they are and what kind of people they are."
In case you didn't know...
This is Dudu's second stint with the Kolkata giants. He first played for East Bengal in the 2014/15 season, when he scored nine goals in 18 matches, but was released at the end of the campaign. The striker rejoined the club last year and was the club's second highest scorer this past I-League with 8 goals.
The heart of the matter
It is believed that the East Bengal faithful lashed out at Dudu because the striker tried to tear the club jersey in anger when he was substituted in the match against Aizawl FC. Club's technical director Subhash Bhowmick later claimed that Dudu's act was an emotional one as he defended the player.
Dudu also claimed that he was receiving hate from his own set of fans on social media and has criticized the club's fanbase for their actions. He also claimed that he is being criticized by the fans because of his African background which is a serious allegation to make and if proved true, can bring shame to the entire club.
What's next?
According to some reports, Dudu may opt out of Monday's semifinal clash against FC Goa. But manager Khalid Jamil is confident that the technical staff and the players will convince the striker to play today's match.
Author's take
These are some serious allegations made by the striker against his own club's supporters. The East Bengal faithful have surely crossed a line here in abusing their own player just because he did not perform at their set expectations. Racial abuse has no place in the game of football or in any walk of life.
