Cardiff investigated by FA over claims of racist abuse after academy kid allegedly had bananas rubbed into his clothes

CARDIFF are being investigated by the FA over claims of bullying and racist abuse in their academy. A youngster is alleged to have been subjected to monkey noises and had bananas rubbed into his clothes. It is also claimed that the boy, who has left the club, was told to clean up the mess himself […]

CARDIFF are being investigated by the FA over claims of bullying and racist abuse in their academy.

A youngster is alleged to have been subjected to monkey noises and had bananas rubbed into his clothes.

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It is also claimed that the boy, who has left the club, was told to clean up the mess himself by a staff member.

Cardiff deny that accusation, insisting ‘no staff or coaches were involved’, adding the allegations were ‘thoroughly investigated the matter at the time’ in 2018.

A club director confirmed: “We are aware a complaint has been made to the FA regarding an alleged instance of racist behaviour and bullying between children whom were enrolled in the club’s academy.

“A meeting was convened with all the players from the group and their parents/guardians at which point the club’s code of practice and standards were reiterated.

“This was followed by an educational presentation.

“No complaint of discrimination was raised by the player or his guardians at the time.

“The complaint has been made by the player’s guardians to the FA nearly three years after the event and following a meeting with the club at which the club confirmed it would agree to release the player and that it would not relinquish its entitlement to training compensation should the player wish to join another club.”

The FA probe is the latest issue to hit the Championship club’s academy.

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Cardiff revealed in March that they had launched “a comprehensive investigation into non-recent allegations of bullying and poor practice”.

Two staff members were suspended during the process as the club concluded academy players faced an “unacceptable coaching environment”.

Former Wales skipper and Liverpool ace Craig Bellamy was also forced to deny bullying allegations against him when he resigned as Cardiff’s Under-18s coach in January 2019.

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