Ex-Celtic kid says Scotland youth teammate racially abused him

Karamoko Dembele <i>(Image: Stuart Wallace/BPI / Shutterstock)</i>
Karamoko Dembele (Image: Stuart Wallace/BPI / Shutterstock)
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Former Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele claims he was racially abused by a Scotland youth teammate.

The winger, who now plays for QPR, was a promising talent at the Celtic academy and was sought after by both Scotland and England.

However, in an interview with The Athletic, Dembele said he began to feel more at home with the English set-up after experiencing racial abuse from a colleague while with Scotland.

Dembele said: "When I went to one of the Scotland camps, a teammate was racist to me.

"He used a racial reference.



"He would always target me.

"I was so young – two years younger – I couldn't defend myself physically but it was bullying, for sure.

"I don't even want to say what he said.

"I didn't report it.

"I felt disgusted.

"When you're racially abused, coming out and saying that someone said this feels quite embarrassing."

The Scottish FA responded with a statement, saying: "We are saddened to learn of Karamoko's experience while on international duty.

"The Scottish FA has made great strides in embedding a culture of equality and inclusion within all national teams.

"We have reached out to Karamoko to offer support but also to reaffirm our commitment to ensure everyone feels welcome and that measures are in place to prevent discrimination, whether real or perceived, within our camps.

"As part of Show Racism the Red Card’s Month of Action, we are launching a subsidised education programme to our member clubs designed to educate players, youth players, club staff and leaders.

"We will continue to support players across our squads and our member clubs, and work to eradicate all forms of discrimination in our national game."

Dembele, born in London to Ivorian parents, moved to Glasgow when he was three and considers himself Scottish.

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