Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham's Victor Obinna rejects racial abuse claims
West Ham forward Victor Obinna revealed none of his relatives were even in the country - let alone at Upton Park - on Saturday.[LNB]It was claimed that Obinna and Frederic Piquionne's families suffered racial abuse during the Hammers' 4-2 defeat by Manchester United, with guests of the two strikers allegedly involved in a confrontation with a small group of fans.[LNB]The Hammers launched an immediate investigation, but Nigeria international Obinna, 24, categorically denied claims of racism.[LNB] Thrown out: Obinna has refuted claims his family suffered racist slurs[LNB]'Nothing happened - I do not have any of my family members in England.' [LNB]'There is no point asking me to confirm or verify an incident that never happened - I was in total shock when I heard and read about it in the papers.[LNB]'I didn't have any of my relatives at the game and I do not know anyone who complained of any racial incident at the game,' he told the BBC.[LNB]Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan said on Monday he was 'appalled' by reports the families were racially abused while sitting in a box in the Main Stand.[LNB] Appalled: David Sullivan was livid with claims Hammers players suffered racial taunts[LNB]West Ham released an official statement denouncing the behaviour and promising a full investigation into the allegations, a move welcomed by football's equality and inclusion campaign, Kick It Out.[LNB]Kick It Out spokesman Danny Lynch said yesterday: 'We've always advocated a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination in the game.[LNB]'This sort of thing gives the perception that it sets us back and I think it masks all the hard work clubs like West Ham do.[LNB]'We welcome West Ham's very proactive stance yesterday, with David Sullivan coming out saying he would investigate it and I think that is what we need.[LNB]'West Ham are a very community-focused club anyway and they have seen the incident as a blot on the rest of the supporters so there is no doubt they will take the action that needs to be done.'[LNB] FA launch enquiry after allegations of racial abuse toward familiesObinna pleads with West Ham fans to give pointless club time to find rhythmAll the latest West Ham news, features and opinion Explore more:People: David Sullivan Places: Nigeria, United Kingdom
