Football
ESPN staff 10y

Man City cancel under-21 friendly

Manchester City cancelled an under-21 friendly in with HNK Rijeka in Croatia on Tuesday after alleged racial abuse aimed at City midfielder Seko Fofana.

A Rijeka player appeared to target Fofana with abuse during the first half, after which City pulled their players from the pitch, according to a statement released on City's website. Rijeka were leading 1-0 when play was abandoned.

"Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half of the game, being played in Novigrad, Croatia, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game," the statement read.

"Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further."

Rijeka, however, appear to have distanced themselves from speculation that one of their players made racist comments towards Fofana.

A statement on their website read: "Manchester City coach Patrick Vieira entered the field, something was discussed with the referee, and then to the amazement of a well-filled stadium he took his team off the pitch. What are the reasons? They are known only to him."

France under-19 international Fofana joined City from Ligue 1 side FC Lorient in January 2013.

Rijeka's senior team finished second in Croatia last season and are currently involved in the Europa League second qualifying round.

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