x

Former Blue Ward Subjected to Racist Abuse - Ipswich Town News

Former Town midfielder Grant Ward was subjected to "abhorrent, racist abuse" on social media following his current club Blackpool’s 1-0 win at Sunderland on Tuesday, the Seasiders have said.

The abusive message has been reported to the police and to Instagram by the Tangerines, who have issued a statement: "Blackpool Football Club is appalled by the abhorrent, racist abuse received by Grant Ward following the team’s fixture at Sunderland last night.

"The contents of the message, on his Instagram account, have since been reported to the social media platform and are now being investigated by the police.

"Grant has the club’s full and unwavering support in this matter, as we continue to collectively take a stand in the fight against racism and online hatred. Enough is enough.”

Clubs across football, including Town and Blackpool, will be staging a social media boycott from 15.00 on Friday until 23.59 on Monday "in response to the ongoing and sustained discriminatory abuse received online by players and many others connected to football” and to call on social media companies to take more action regarding online hate.

Some clubs are encouraging their fans to join the boycott, while the England and Wales Cricket Board, first-class counties, the Professional Cricketers' Association and the Lawn Tennis Association have also pledged to take part, as have a number of media organisations including Talksport and BT Sport. TWTD will also be joining the boycott.

What to read next:

McKenna: Davis Limping Pretty Heavily
Town boss Kieran McKenna says left-back Leif Davis was limping heavily following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
McKenna: What a Wonderful Position to Be In
Town boss Kieran McKenna reflected on the wonderful position his side is in following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Hull City 3-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Town moved level on points with second-placed Leeds United following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium having been in front three times. Returning striker George Hirst put the Blues in front in the 19th minute but the Tigers levelled on 40 through Ozan Tufan before Omari Hutchinson put Town back ahead with the first of two brilliant goals. However, Hull equalised again through Liam Delap in the 56th minute, then Hutchinson’s second put the Blues ahead again, however, Tigers sub Noah Ohio grabbed a point for the East Yorkshire side with three minutes remaining and the Blues were unable to take late chances to win it.
Hull City 3-3 Ipswich Town - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Hull City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from George Hirst and Omari Hutchinson have given Town a 2-1 half-time lead over Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Hirst and Burns Start at Hull
George Hirst and Wes Burns both start for the Blues in this evening’s live-on-Sky game at Hull City.
Hull City v Ipswich Town - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
Hull City v Ipswich Town - Predictions
Have you predicted the Hull score yet? Sixty per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 27 per cent a draw and 13 per cent predicting a home win, but what do you think?
Leeds Thrashed at QPR
The battle for promotion at the top of the Championship took another dramatic turn this evening when Leeds United were thrashed 4-0 at QPR, a result which confirms Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League and puts the Blues in the box seat for the second automatic spot.
Gilmartin to Continue Interim Irish Role
Town’s head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin will continue his role on Republic of Ireland interim head coach John O’Shea’s staff for the June internationals, the FAI has announced.