Hull condemns racist abuse aimed at new signing Robinio Vaz

Hull City has spoken out after condemning “abhorrent racist abuse” aimed at its new signing Robinio Vaz. The club posted about the incident when confirming the move on social media, before that post was later deleted.

As BBC Sport reports, Hull criticised the discriminatory behaviour directed at the 19-year-old French striker after announcing his transfer. Vaz joins from Roma on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign.

Support and police work

In a statement cited by BBC Sport, Hull said no individual should ever face discriminatory abuse and that it will give Vaz “full support”. The club added that it is working with Humberside Police and other authorities to identify the accounts responsible for what it called “disgusting abuse”.

Hull also said it has been in contact in the past 24 hours with the Premier League, anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the relevant social media companies. The message is clear: the club reiterates its zero-tolerance policy and urges fans to report any form of discrimination.

Jakirovic’s reaction

Head coach Sergej Jakirovic also addressed the situation. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, he called it a “disaster” and insisted on zero tolerance. He said it came “from a fake account” and challenged the anonymous attackers to put their names to it, while adding that they are trying to explain things to Vaz—using French-speaking team-mates because he does not speak English.

BBC Sport notes that last season Vaz scored one Serie A goal.