The Football Association has confirmed they will be
looking into possible racial abuse directed at Middlesbrough's
Mido, during the Tees-Tyne derby on Sunday at The
Riverside.
Newcastle fans subjected the Egyptian to a torrent of abuse during
the 2-2 draw, and it is now claimed that some chants were
Islamophobic.
"We will certainly be looking into it," an FA spokesman told the
Guardian.
Both Mido and Gareth Southgate have reacted angrily to referee Mike
Dean's decision to book the striker after he celebrated in front of
the visiting fans after he scored.
Southgate
anger
"I find it strange that 3,000 people can abuse one person and
nothing is done," said Southgate.
"On the other hand when the boot is on the other foot, it gets him
into trouble.
"In terms of civil liberties I find that strange. We had to calm
Mido down at the end of the first half."
Mido was also at a loss to understand his yellow card.
"I was very frustrated when the referee gave me a booking," he
said.
"I don't think I deserved a yellow card but that is football, I
suppose, and you have to get on with it.
"I don't understand why I was booked, though. I'm told it was for
security reasons but I don't see how that is possible. I don't see
why what I did affected the security of the fans. I just put my
finger to my mouth to say 'quiet'."
Anger
Mido himself admitted he was angered by the chants, saying "I heard
it; it was clear and I could understand what they were
saying.
"I'm used to it from opposition fans but I just think this was
ridiculous.
"I don't know why they do it. I just think they were maybe taking
the p*** and maybe some of them were drunk or something, I just
don't know. It made me want to score goals. I was very delighted to
score once and wanted another."
Middlesbrough are due to confirm on Tuesday whether they will be
making their own official complaint on the matter.