Luton manager Rob Edwards reported that police are looking into an alleged racist comment directed at Carlton Morris during the Sheffield United game.

The alleged racist incident that occurred during the match between Luton Town and Sheffield United at Bramall Lane has sparked investigations by the authorities and prompted strong statements from the clubs involved. Luton manager Rob Edwards confirmed that the police are looking into the matter, highlighting the serious nature of the incident. The game was briefly halted in additional time as referee Sam Allison addressed the situation after receiving a complaint from Luton and their striker Carlton Morris.

In the aftermath of the match, Edwards addressed the media, stating, “It’s an alleged racial comment, the police are dealing with that now. They’ve spoken to Carlton and got his take on it, it’s with them now so I’ve got no more comment on it.” This underscores the gravity of the situation and the swift actions taken to address the reported abuse.

Both Luton Town and the Premier League emphasized their commitment to combating racism in football, with the latter noting, “Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society and we encourage anyone who hears or sees discrimination to report it so action can be taken.” The clubs and authorities pledged to provide full support to Carlton Morris and Luton Town FC, while also striving to ensure that football stadiums remain inclusive and welcoming environments for all.

Carlton Morris, who reported the abuse at Bramall Lane, exhibited composure and determination by promptly reporting the incident, adhering to the established protocols, and cooperating with the authorities. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder also addressed the matter, expressing disappointment regarding the alleged racist incident and affirming his club’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to racism.

In response, Sheffield United FC released a statement expressing their disappointment and initiating an investigation in collaboration with South Yorkshire Police and Luton Town FC. The club reasserted their unwavering stance against all forms of discrimination, emphasizing that there is no place for such behavior in football or society at large.

It’s worth noting that this incident occurred during a significant match where referee Sam Allison became the Premier League’s first Black referee in 15 years, following Uriah Rennie’s tenure as a top-flight official, which ended in 2008. This context amplifies the significance of addressing and eradicating such instances of racism in football, serving as a reminder of the ongoing battle against discrimination.

The steps taken by the clubs, players, and authorities in response to this regrettable incident serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to confront and eliminate racism from the beautiful game, further highlighting the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment within football and society as a whole.