Scottish Premier League club Rangers have confirmed they are investigating alleged racist abuse towards United States international midfielder Maurice Edu after their Champions League defeat to Unirea Urziceni on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old played no part in the 4-1 Group G defeat to the Romania side but watched the match at Ibrox and said on social networking site Twitter that he was targeted by his own club’s supporters as he left the stadium. Edu had written a message on his Twitter feed which said: “Not sure what hurt more: result last nite or being racially abused by couple of our own fans as I’m getting in my car.” Rangers have condemned the behavior of a section of supporters alleged to have abused Edu, who had missed the match through injury, and have urged anyone who witnessed the event to come forward. “Rangers Football Club condemns out of hand this moronic behavior,” a statement on the official Rangers club Web site said. “The action of this individual is disgusting and completely unacceptable. It is extremely disappointing that people such as this attach themselves to the wider Rangers support and tarnish the image of the club and its fans.
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“The club will now undertake a full investigation to identify the individual in question and take appropriate action. “We would urge anyone who has information on the identity of the individual responsible to contact the club immediately. “Everyone associated with Rangers will once again demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Show Racism the Red Card as we support the Weekend of Action at the Hibernian game at Ibrox on Saturday.” Edu, who was born in Fontana, California joined the Glasgow club in August 2008 after he played for Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC and has made 11 appearances for the U.S. national team.
