HAWA CISSOKO hit back at trolls who sent her racist abuse online after she was sent off during West Ham’s win at Aston Villa.
The Hammers confirmed the Irons defender received “racist and abusive messages” following an altercation with Villa player Sarah Mayling.
And the France centre-back, 25, took to Twitter to share details of horrific posts sent from online accounts after the incident last Saturday.
Language included the use of the N-word and derogatory references to her skin colour.
In a written statement West Ham said they were “disgusted by the hateful content”.
The club, whose WSL side face Reading at home on Sunday, have since passed the abusive posts to the police.
The Irons also reported accounts that targeted Cissoko to “the relevant” social media firms.
In their statement, West Ham said: “We can confirm that we have reported a number of racist and abusive messages directed at our player following Saturday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa.
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“The defender received a red card for clashing with an opponent in the closing stages of the Hammers’ battling 2-1 victory at the Bescot Stadium.
“While we in no way condone Hawa’s actions on the pitch, for which she has apologised, everyone at the club is disgusted by the hateful content of the online messages subsequently sent to her.
“They have been passed directly to the police and reported to the relevant social media companies.”
The club added: “There is no place for this in society and we condemn it unreservedly.
“Hawa continues to receive the full support of everyone at the Club, including through our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme, which provides care and protection for the wellbeing of all staff.
“West Ham United continues to be unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
“We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen their measures to prevent this abhorrent behaviour.”
“Today Cissoko published a written apology to Mayling, West Ham fans and her team-mates following the red card incident.
The defender was sent off following a physical spat with the Villa defender in the late stages of the Villans’ home clash with the Irons.
Cissoko, who has made 35 WSL appearances since her 2020 Hammers move, tweeted: ‘There was no excuse for my reaction especially as I am considered to be a role model to others.
“I would like to apologise to my opponent, my team-mates and our supporters.
“In contrast to those finding pleasure in sending me abusive and hateful messages, a massive thank you to those who have sent me words of support.”
Hammers players including Lucy Parker tweeted words of support for Cissoko.
And Villa boss Carla Ward hit out at abuse aimed at the defender and Mayling following her team’s narrow loss last weekend.
Ward, whose team visit Everton on Sunday, said: “They were involved in an altercation which happened in a highly-charged and emotional game.
“I’m sure they are both very sorry for the incident that happened but neither of them deserves to have to go through that.”
This afternoon the FA denounced racially hateful posts sent to players via social media.
In a tweeted statement, the FA said: “This is yet another example of vile racist abuse being directed towards players in English football.
“We strongly condemn this and we continue to be clear that perpetrators of online abuse must face real-life consequences for their actions.”
