Calvin Bassey abuse condemned by Fulham as ex Rangers star sent vile messages after Man Utd goal

The defender helped his side knock Ruben Amorim's Red Devils out of the FA Cup, but then shared some of the abuse he was sent on social media

Fraser Clarke Sport Trends Writer

13:41, 03 Mar 2025

Calvin Bassey of Fulham during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Craven Cottage on February 15, 2025 in London, England

Calvin Bassey was targetted with vile slurs after scoring for Fulham against Manchester United(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

Fulham have hit out "abhorrent" abuse sent to former Rangers star Calvin Bassey after he helped knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup.

The defender, who starred for the Light Blues during their run to the Europa League final before a big-money move to Ajax in 2022, netted the opener for Fulham at Old Trafford - as Marco Silva's side heaped more misery on the struggling Red Devils by dumping Ruben Amorim's men out of the FA Cup on penalties. However, he then took to social media to share some of the disgusting messages he had been sent after the game - which included vile racist and homophobic slurs.

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Now Fulham have given 25-year-old Bassey, who was born in Italy but represents Nigeria internationally, their full backing. In a statement, the Premier League side said: "Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

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"We strongly condemn this abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.

"We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them. Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion."

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Calvin Bassey of Fulham celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Timothy Castagne (L) and Adama Traore (R) during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford

Calvin Bassey celebrates his goal at Old Trafford for Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

Bassey was a colossus at the back for Fulham in the Old Trafford clash, with former Liverpool star Danny Murphy saying: "He has been one of the better players for Fulham. He has been on the front foot and really dominating Hojlund with his physicality and trying to win the ball back early. He has been probably their best player. It was a good goal."

Bassey's online abuse follows recent cases involving Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, England defender Kyle Walker and Newcastle United's Joe Willock. In Scotland, Motherwell last month were forced to issue a statement after a player was targeted with racist slurs on social media following a game against Celtic.