Newcastle release a statement following their win after Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes were racially abused.
Newcastle have issued a statement condemning racial abuse directed at midfielders Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal.
“Newcastle United strongly condemns racist abuse directed at Bruno Guimares and Joe Willock via social media following Saturday’s victory over Arsenal,” the statement reads. Our message is unequivocal. Racism has no place in football or in society.
“We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.”
Willock, who used to play for Arsenal before being sold for £30 million in 2021, came on as a second-half substitute, arriving just moments before Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner. The 24-year-old came through the Arsenal youth system, making 78 senior appearances before joining Newcastle as one of the first players signed after the club’s ownership changed hands.
After the game, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, “My team [red heart and black heart emoji].” Three major points.” Guimaraes also used social media to reach out to his home fans. “What a result!” he exclaimed. Big game for everyone, and another three points at home [house emoji, smiley face emoji, black and white heart emojis].”
During the first half, the Brazilian midfielder appeared to elbow Jorginho in the head while making a run, which became one of the game’s biggest talking points. VAR reviewed the action but did not penalize it.
Gary Neville, a commentator, said of the incident, “I think he’s very lucky there Guimaraes, he’s a lucky boy.” He dives in initially, so his head is gone, and it’s even worse in slow motion. That’s not going to fly with me; he’s a very lucky boy. It’s just so unnecessary, an arm/elbow in the head for the sole purpose of giving someone a whack.
“I think his head has gone here Guimaraes, Eddie Howe needs to get his team into that dressing room now after kicking the ball at Havertz.” Havertz started all of this about 10 minutes ago, and Newcastle has reacted horribly.”
“For me, it’s a silly challenge again, similar to Havertz, he’s lost his head and it’s more of a forearm for me,” Jamie Carragher added. It’s not ideal, but he’s a lucky boy, so I don’t think it’s a red card; if the referee sees it, I think he’ll give him a yellow.”
That wasn’t the only contentious incident in the game, as Gordon’s goal was also heavily questioned for three separate calls made in the build-up. Mikel Arteta called the decision to let the goal stand ’embarrassing.’
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