Skip to content

Trabzonspor’s Simon Banza suffers racist abuse after Besiktas match

Trabzonspor's Simon Banza suffers racist abuse after Besiktas match Simon Banza of Trabzonspor gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 5 football match against Besiktas at Papara Park in Trabzon, Türkiye on September 15, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Sep 16, 2024 11:59 AM

Trabzonspor’s Simon Banza recently received a series of racist comments, to which the football club has responded with legal action. These attacks occurred following the club’s 1-1 draw against Besiktas.

The Congolese forward, who recently joined Trabzonspor, was subjected to offensive comments that the club swiftly condemned and acted upon.

Trabzonspor's Simon Banza suffers racist abuse after Besiktas match
Tensions increased between Trabzonspor’s Simon Banza (R) and Besiktas’s Gabriel Armando de Abreu (L) during the match at Papara Park in Trabzon, Türkiye on Sept. 15, 2024. (AA Photo)

Trabzonspor condemns racist abuse against Banza

Trabzonspor strongly denounced the racist attacks targeting Banza. In a firm statement, the club declared, “We share with the public that these ugly attacks are completely unacceptable. The necessary legal steps are being taken swiftly.”

Trabzonspor reinforced its commitment to supporting Banza, expressing that it would never compromise its position on fighting racism.

The statement further emphasized the club’s solidarity with the player. “We stand by our footballer in this incident, and we will continue to fight against such discriminatory acts,” the club assured its fans and the wider community. Banza also received support from Trabzonspor fans, who voiced their opposition to the racist abuse.

Trabzonspor's Simon Banza suffers racist abuse after Besiktas match
Simon Banza of Trabzonspor in action during the Turkish Super Lig week 5 football match against Besiktas at Papara Park in Trabzon, Türkiye on Sept. 15, 2024. (AA Photo)

Trabzonspor takes legal action immediately after Besiktas match

Trabzonspor wasted no time in initiating legal proceedings against those responsible for the racist posts. The club reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards racism, making it clear that it would pursue justice to the fullest extent. “The legal process has been swiftly initiated,” the club stated, adding that these kinds of attacks have no place in football or society.

Banza’s arrival at Trabzonspor in early September was met with excitement, and he quickly became an important player in the squad. However, the racist abuse he faced following the Besiktas match has drawn attention to ongoing issues of racism in football. The club’s immediate legal response is intended to prevent such incidents from recurring and to promote greater awareness against racism in the sport.

Trabzonspor's Simon Banza suffers racist abuse after Besiktas match
Simon Banza of Trabzonspor gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 5 football match against Besiktas at Papara Park in Trabzon, Türkiye on Sept. 15, 2024. (AA Photo)

Trabzonspor’s Simon Banza feels excitement over transfer

Despite the attacks, Banza remains focused on his role at Trabzonspor. The forward signed a one-year contract with the club in early September and expressed his excitement about joining the team.

“I’m really happy and excited to be part of such a big club like Trabzonspor,” Banza stated during his signing. He added, “The club’s history, passion, and the enthusiasm of its fans have deeply impressed me. I aim to contribute to Trabzonspor’s success and make the fans proud.”

Trabzonspor’s president, Ertugrul Dogan, highlighted Banza’s importance to the team. He described the player as someone who would bring strength and determination to the squad. “Banza is a player who fits our goals, and we are confident he will have a successful season,” Dogan said during the contract announcement.

Banza, who will wear the number 17 jersey, continues to focus on his game despite the troubling incident. The support from the club and fans sends a clear message that racist abuse will not be tolerated, and the club remains committed to addressing this issue head-on.

Last Updated:  Sep 16, 2024 1:03 PM