Kick It Out report Yaya Toure racist abuse to Police

Last Updated: 13/05/15 4:28pm

Yaya Toure: Subject of racist abuse online

Kick It Out has confirmed it has been in touch with the Police after Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure was subjected to racist abuse online.

Toure, who was the victim of monkey chants in 2013 while playing against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, was at Wembley on Tuesday for the launch of FIFA's Anti-Discrimination Monitoring System.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Wednesday, later visited Kick It Out’s London offices.

After that visit he tweeted: “My birthday wish is we all stand together against racism.  #SayNoToRacism”

That message was retweeted over 1,000 times but drew some unsavoury responses.

Kick It Out has now confirmed it has reported two racist messages to Police and has also offered Toure its full support.

A Manchester City official has told Sky Sports News HQ they are “appalled” by the abuse, adding that they are fully behind Kick It Out.

Explaining his visit to Kick It Out’s offices, Toure said: “I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work.

“I have been supported by the campaigners in the office when I received racist abuse on Twitter. So I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.

"This visit also provided an opportunity to learn more about how we can challenge issues of racism and all forms of discrimination. It was important for me to listen to their experiences and ideas.”