Former Super Eagles Captain and Trabzonspor midfielder John Obi Mikel broke down in tears in a post-match interview while alleging racist attack on him and his family after his side beat Fenerbache 2-1 in a Super Lig game on Saturday.
He stated the threats were also directed at his girlfriend Olga Diyachenka and four-year-old twin daughters.
“A lot has been said about this – the issue of racism but since I’ve been here, my team and colleagues at Trabzonspor have been very nice to me, there’s not been any issue.” he told Turkish TV.
“After the game on Saturday, I started getting messages on my Instagram, even my girlfriend getting instant messages of racism and hatred.
“Very scary messages towards me and my family and kids. There’s no place for this.
“I don’t think this should be happening and I think these people should be held responsible. They shouldn’t be allowed to come to games.
“I’m very disappointed with this – especially my girlfriend, my family, my kids. They are only four years old, why do you talk about my kids?
“I am very sad about this, it’s a very disturbing time for me.”
Trabzonspor announced they had filed a criminal complaint against individuals who allegedly racially abused Mikel.
‘Racism is a shelter for (the) helpless and ignorant.” The club stated on their official Twitter page.
“We condemn the racist attacks against our player Obi Mikel after the match against Fenerbahce and we bring to the public attention that a criminal complaint has been filed against the assailants.”
