Furious Demba Ba victim of alleged racial abuse in Chinese Super League

The former Premier League striker, now 33, is said to have been subject to hateful speech, with his club calling for serious action to be taken

Demba Ba was allegedly subjected to racial abuse in Shanghai Shenhua’s 1-1 draw with Changchun Yatai on Saturday.

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Ba, formerly a Premier League player with Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham, was visibly furious after an on-pitch altercation with Yatai’s Zhang Li.

The 33-year-old grabbed at his opponent, while also motioning towards his skin colour to officials and other players.

Unconfirmed reports claim Li repeatedly shouted “you black” towards Ba.

Odion Ighalo, also an ex-Premier League player with Watford and now with Yatai, spent several minutes on the pitch trying to calm down the Senegalese striker.

Speaking after the match, Shenhua manager Wu Jingui addressed the incident.

“I learned that a Yatai player used insulting language towards [Ba],” he said.

“Around the world, it has been stressed that there should be no insulting speech toward black athletes.

“The Chinese Super League has players of many different skin colours.

“We should respect our opponents and there should be no discrimination.

“I cannot calm down now. I feel great regret about the lack of respect to a player.”

Ba’s club also took to twitter to condemn the actions of Li, stating that serious action must be taken.

“Demba Ba is offended by racist words from Changchun Yatai player Zhang Li.

“CFA should take serious disciplinary actions!! #saynotoracism.”

Elsewhere, Ba’s former side Bestikas also took to social media to express their solidarity with the player, tweeting: “#NoToRacism, You’re not alone.”

The CFA have yet to comment on the incident.