Chelsea have hit out at “abuse and defamatory comments” aimed at Conor Gallagher after Saturday’s draw with Burnley, with Mauricio Pochettino saddened by the comments directed towards the midfielder.
Gallagher was abused on social media after a video purporting to show him ignoring a young mascot ahead of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge was circulated online.
Chelsea issued a statement in response to the incident on Wednesday, saying the clip had been “taken considerably out of context”.
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The Blues added: “The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.
“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”
Speaking at a press conference to preview Thursday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, Pochettino then lamented the ease with which players could be abused on social media.
Club statement.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 3, 2024
“It’s upset me so much, because no-one wants to do something like this, with this intention. He has many videos and photos with the mascots,” Pochettino said of Gallagher.
“I think people try to find things to create a mess and to abuse the people involved. I know Conor. I can speak for the people I know, come on, that was never was his intention.
“Conor is a great, great kid, always caring about everything. I hate the people who abuse on things like this. I believe we need to stop this type of thing.
“For people today, it is so easy. We should pay attention to that also. To give too much attention to people who want to create this type of mess, to insult and abuse… please stop.
“How is it possible to believe Conor’s intention is to ignore a mascot? Come on. It makes me very sad because I know Conor. Nobody deserves to be abused.
“Our responsibility is to ignore these things, and the people who try to create things which never help our lives. We need to keep moving. It’s about supporting Conor and people who get abuse.”
