Callum Hudson-Odoi was subjected to racist abuse twice in 11 days
Chelsea have offered counselling to teenage forward Callum Hudson-Odoi after he was subjected to racist abuse twice in 11 days: during Chelsea’s Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev and again whilst away on England duty.
Hudson-Odoi made his full debut for his country in Monday’s 5-1 win against Montenegro but along with Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose received racist abuse from the home crowd at the Stadion Pod Goricom in Podgorica.
The young winger was also targeted during Chelsea’s 5-0 away win against Dynamo Kiev before that on March 14, in which Hudson-Odoi scored the final goal.
England manager Gareth Southgate has been keeping in touch with the player and heaped praise on his performance after the game, along with condemning the racist abuse, stating: “There’s no doubt in my mind it happened. I know what I heard. It’s unacceptable. We have to make sure our players feel supported, they know the dressing room is there and we as a group of staff are there for them.”
“We have to report it through the correct channels. It is clear that so many people have heard it and we have to continue to make strides in our country and trust the authorities to take the right action.”
Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro over the racist behaviour from their supporters.
Interviewed after the Euro 2020 qualifier, the 18-year-old told reporters: “When you are hearing stuff like that from the fans, it is not right and it is unacceptable. Hopefully Uefa deal with it properly.
“When me and Rosey went over there, they were saying ‘ooh aa aa’ monkey stuff – we just have to keep our heads and keep a strong mentality.”
It is clear the young star has a maturity beyond his years and is understood to be faring well since the incident. He will be offered a full range of support by Chelsea Football Club if he needs it.
