Morecambe wait on the referee's report following midfielder's red card against Tranmere Rovers

Morecambe are awaiting the referee’s report as one of their players stands accused of using a homophobic slur.
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Yann Songo’o was sent off by referee Paul Howard during Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at the Mazuma Stadium for foul and abusive language.

Shrimps’ boss Derek Adams had said, post-match, he didn’t know what happened with the midfielder’s red card and that the club would have to wait for the official report.

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A video of the 29-year-old being dismissed, during which the term was allegedly used, appeared on social media over the weekend though Morecambe were yet to comment as of Monday afternoon.

Yann Songo'o (left) was sent off at the weekendYann Songo'o (left) was sent off at the weekend
Yann Songo'o (left) was sent off at the weekend

It’s been reported that if the player is charged, he could face a six to 12-match ban for an aggravated breach of Rule E3 which states participants in football ‘shall at all times act in the best interests of the game and shall not act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute or use any one, or a combination of, violent conduct, serious foul play, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour’.

Tranmere issued a statement on Sunday saying: “Tranmere Rovers have a policy of not commenting publicly on specific disciplinary issues relating to other clubs or their players and therefore will be not making any statement regarding yesterday’s incident.

“We reiterate our firm belief that there is no place for homophobia within football.”

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A statement was also issued by Rover and Out, the club’s LGBT+ supporters’ group, adding: “We stand side by side with our club, Tranmere Rovers FC, and with players and football fans in showing zero tolerance for homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination on the pitch, in the stands and everywhere.

“We are proud of our players’ response in immediately recognising this language as unacceptable. We would like to thank the referee Mr Howard, who acted swiftly to remove the player from the pitch and will be contacting him to express our gratitude for his decisive action.

“We will work in partnership with Tranmere Rovers FC, supporters and national bodies, making football environments inclusive and welcoming of LGBT+ people.

“We will be writing to Morecambe FC to raise our concerns that this incident took place and request information on what they will be doing to avoid any such conduct in future.”

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Their stance was also supported by Kick It out, football’s equality and inclusion organisation, who Tweeted: “There is no place for homophobic language in football. It is damaging and hurtful. As role models, players in particular should be mindful of the impact of their words. We support this statement.”

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