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Mauricio Pochettino has fervently backed Conor Gallagher amidst criticism surrounding an alleged snub of a mascot.
The incident, captured on video, seemingly depicts Gallagher neglecting a young fan's high-five gesture in the tunnel before Saturday's clash against Burnley, drawing a flurry of condemnation on social media.
The incident provoked extreme reactions on social media, with some labelling it as 'shameful' and 'embarrassing.'
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01:37 - 31.03.2024
Fans slam Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, call him a 'Racist' for ignoring black kid's handshake in the tunnel
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher found himself under fire from fans as he allegedly declined to shake hands with a black child in the tunnel before their match against Burnley.
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15:15 - 03.04.2024
Chelsea release official statement regarding Conor Gallagher's tunnel Incident with a black kid
Chelsea Football Club has been forced to address a controversial incident that occurred in the tunnel before their recent fixture against Burnley.
Pochettino's Defiant Defense
Expressing his dismay over the situation, Pochettino voiced his support for Gallagher, emphasizing the absence of malicious intent in the player's actions.
"It has upset me so much because no one wants to do something like this, with this intention," stated the Chelsea boss, as reported by the Sun.
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He further elaborated, highlighting Gallagher's positive interactions with mascots on various occasions: "He did so well, with so many photos, videos and photography with both mascots. When you play football, you are focusing on so many things, to play, to start the game, that sometimes it can happen."
Pochettino condemned the rampant abuse directed at Gallagher on social media platforms, urging for an end to such behaviour.
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"People always try to find things to create a mess and to abuse people. I know Conor. There is no intention. Conor is a great kid, always caring about everything," he asserted.
Expressing his disdain for online abuse, Pochettino pleaded, "I hate it when people feel free to abuse on social media.
“It is so easy and it gives too much attention to people that want to create this type of situation or mess. Please, stop."
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Emphasizing Gallagher's character, Pochettino reiterated, "Who believes Conor wanted to ignore a mascot? Come on. “It makes me sad because Conor doesn't deserve to be abused. No one deserves to be abused but him. Come on."
Meanwhile, In response to the controversy, Chelsea issued a public statement in support of Gallagher, reaffirming their solidarity with the player who has been a part of the club for 16 years.
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