FA charge Morecambe’s Yann Songo’o for alleged homophobic slur

Morecambe midfielder Yann Songo'o has been charged by the FA for allegedly using a homophobic slur during their match against Tranmere last month. Songo'o was sent off in the 45 minute of the game, which Tranmere went on to win 1-0 thanks to a 74th minute goal from Kaiyne Woolery. An alleged homophobic slur was heard on the pitch during the incident, and after an FA investigation, Songo'o has been charged by English football's governing body. The FA said in a statement: "Morecambe FC's Yann Songo'o has been charged with an "aggravated breach" of FA Rule E3 following their EFL League Two fixture against Tranmere Rovers FC on Saturday, January 30, 2021. "It is alleged that the midfielder used abusive and/or insulting language towards an opponent during the 45th minute of the fixture, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, and that this constitutes an "aggravated breach", as defined in FA Rule E3.2, because the language included a reference to sexual orientation. "Yann Songo'o has until Wednesday, February 24, 2021 to provide a response." Songo'o could face a ban of between six and 12 matches. When the investigation was originally launched on February 2nd, Morecambe said the club "would like to stress that it abhors abuse of any sort, be it be on the grounds of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability or sexual orientation."

"We are awaiting the final report on Saturday’s match before making any specific comment on the incident. A further statement will follow when we have received that report."

Anti-discrimination charity Kick it Out said: “"here is no place for homophobic language in football. It is damaging and hurtful. As role models, players in particular should be mindful of the impact of their words."