Ghana supporters group wants English FA action over Cole immigration joke

Published on: 31 March 2011

Ghana supporters have called on the English FA to punish Carlton Cole for his immigration jibe at Black Stars fans at Wembley.

Nationwide Supporters Union of Ghana (NSU) also wants the Ghana FA to raise the issue with itsEnglish counterparts who hosted Tuesday friendly between the two sides.

Cole, who was born to Nigerian parents, caused controversy on Twitter after making ill-advised immigration jokes about the Ghanaians at Wembley.

NSU says the West Ham player must be reprimanded by the English FA especially when he’s an England international.

“His comment was not a joke but an attack on all the people of Ghana all over the world,” Abdul Aziz Haruna president of NSU told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“Black Stars fans travelled from Ghana, all over the UK and other parts of the world to watch this game and support their country and give some money to the English economy.

Cole's jokes about Ghana on his twitter page
“To suggest that the Ghanaians who attended the game are illegals or seeking to stay in UK is an insult therefore the English FA and the Ghana FA must act.

“When we thronged the stadium to give Wembley the best atmosphere it has ever seen and then Cole slaps us in the face with this sick joke.

"The English FA must take action and stop stereotyping and jokes that can spark unnecessary tension between two friendly and football loving countries.

The West Ham striker posted several comments during England's 1-1 draw in the friendly match on Tuesday night - all of which he has now removed after he was inundated with criticism and complaints from a large section of his followers.

Firstly, Cole wrote: 'Immigration has surrounded the wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha'

The England international, who wasn't involved in the game, then posted: 'The only way to get out safely is to wear an england jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George's'flag!'

Realising that his comments were causing offence, Cole tweeted: 'To my ghanian brothers dont take it so seriously, its just jokes! You’ve played well! Done africa proud!'

There were around 20,000 Ghana fans at Wembley for the match, which was considered to be one of the most successful friendly games in years.

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