Malta FA condemn alleged racial abuse against Raiders player Lucia

The Malta Football Association expressed its solidarity with Raiders Għargħur and Malta women international Maya Lucia who reportedly suffered racial abuse during a women’s U-19 match on Sunday.

The incident happened during Sunday’s match between Raiders Għargħur and Mosta when it is being an alleged that a fan passed racial comments towards Lucia.

“The Malta Football Association expresses solidarity with Raiders Għargħur and Malta women’s national team player Maya Lucia who has reported that she suffered verbal abuse of a racial nature during a Women’s Under-19 League match, played earlier today at the Marsaskala Ground,” the MFA said in a statement.

“The Malta FA is in the process of gathering more information from the clubs involved and other relevant parties while the alleged incident has been reported to the police.

 “The Malta FA unequivocally condemns any form of racist behaviour and reiterates that racism and discrimination have no place in football.”

On their part, Raiders Għargħur issued a statement to vehemently condemn the incident.

“Raiders GFC is disgusted and appalled by the behavior of supporter’s racist comments which makes reference to one of our team players during today’s U19s league fixture,” the statement said.

“The club is in constant contact with Mosta FC who also wholly condemns the chants and together we urge all other clubs to strongly condemn this behaviour.

“Chants of this nature besmirch the good name of Football Clubs and the fans. We confirm that we will be taking further action, they will be dealt with in the strongest manner by the club and be reported to our governing body MFA and the Police immediately.

“We know we can rely on the assistance of all football clubs in Malta to eradicate this toxic behaviour immediately.”