Former Tottenham wonderkid breaks down in tears after being ‘racially abused' in Champions League clash
Aramide Oteh
was the victim of sickening racist abuse during a Champions League qualifier, his club have claimed.
Welsh football club The New Saints released a statement on social media condemning alleged racist abuse against Oteh by a member of the home crowd during their game against KF Shkëndija.
1
The New Saints star Aramide Oteh was left in tears after alleged racist abuse
Credit: Alamy
The club's coach, Craig Harrison, also claimed the 26-year-old striker was left in tears at the abuse.
The North Macedonia-based outfit beat The New Saints 2-1 after extra time to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.
However, The New Saints have released a damning statement against a fan placed in the home end of the 3,000-strong crowd at the Tetovo City Stadium.
The statement read: "The New Saints FC strongly and unequivocally condemn the racist abuse directed at Aramide Oteh by a member of the home crowd following the conclusion of tonight's UEFA Champions League first qualifying round match against KF Shkëndija.
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"There is absolutely no place for racism - either in football or in society.
"Everyone at the club is offering their full support to Aramide and stand firmly by him."
"The New Saints are proud to support UEFA's #NoToRacism campaign and remain committed to promoting equality, respect, and inclusion both on and off the pitch."
SunSport have contacted Uefa and Shkëndija for comment on the matter.
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Speaking after the game, Harrison added: "He is in tears - that doesn't happen for no reason.
It's clearly what's been said and done. Obviously that's unacceptable. We will be reporting that.
Crystal Palace legend Geoff Thomas slams Uefa for denying them a Europa League place
"For a fan to speak to anybody like that is an absolute disgrace and let's hope the culprit gets a fair punishment and is dealt with."
Oteh, originally from Lee in South London, came on as a late substitute in the clash.
Having come through the academy at Tottenham, whom he joined aged eight, he eventually left the club at the age of 18.
From there, he joined Queens Park Rangers, going on to make 17 first-team appearances and scoring once.
He went on to loan to Walsall, Bradford, Stevenage and
Oteh left QPR permanently in 2021 to join Salford on a short-term deal.
Crawley were next, with Oteh scoring his first goal for the club in their first-ever win over Harrogate.
In 2023, he then returned to Walsall before winding up at TNS a year later.
Defeat for the Saints means they have dropped into the qualifiers for the Conference League, where they will face Luxembourg's Differdange.
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