Investigation launched after alleged discriminatory abuse in Walsall win

An investigation has been launched after a report of discriminatory behaviour towards Colchester United goalkeeper Thimothee Lo-Tutala has been made.

Lo-Tutala reported the incident during the latter stages of the Saddlers’ 3-1 win at Colchester, as play was stopped while he was in discussion with referee Declan Brown and both managers.

Investigation launched as both clubs release statements

A Walsall club statement read: “Walsall Football Club will work with Colchester United, Essex Police and West Midlands Police to ascertain what was allegedly said and subsequently take any action necessary.

“No person, in football or in our wider society, should have to be subjected to this discrimination.”

Colchester also released a statement in the aftermath of the incident, confirming that standard protocols will now be followed.

“Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and anyone found guilty of such offences will be subject to arrest, or a football banning order,” read a club statement from Colchester.

Walsall returned to winning ways in Essex, after goals from Declan Skura, Aaron Pressley and substitute Courtney Clarke helped propel them into third-place in League Two.

Asked about the incident, head coach Lee Grant replied: “The goalkeeper followed protocol to a T and the fourth official, the referee and linesman were excellent.

“They called us over, the goalkeeper has heard something. He wasn’t crystal clear on whether he felt it was concrete what he heard, but he did the right thing.

“Of course, if the goalkeeper feels like something was said that shouldn’t have been said then it has to be dealt with in the way actually that they dealt with it.

“Like I say, the officials were excellent. We certainly don’t, or wouldn’t condone, and would be appalled if it was found to be the case.”

He added: “Potentially [a racist incident] - but again for me to be clear, I wasn’t there. I haven’t heard anything, the referee didn’t and nobody else did.

“That’s not to say that what the goalkeeper heard or didn’t hear isn’t factual. These things have to be looked at and dealt with properly, and it seems to me that the officials and everybody has followed that in the right way.”

“I expect that the goalkeeper will sit down with his staff, manager and the referee and will have some clarity over what was said or wasn’t said.

“We, even as the opposition team, will support him and everybody fully, and that process will run its course.”