Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi was unable to hold back tears in a post-match interview while speaking about the online abuse that has been targeted at his family including his girlfriend and twin daughters.
The 32-year-old was a subject of racial abuse following his side Trabzonspor 2-1 thrashing of Fenerbahce in a Turkish Super Lig game on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Mikel fought back tears while talking about it in an interview.
“After the game on Saturday, I started getting messages on my Instagram account, even my girlfriend at home, getting messages of racism and hatred. Very scary messages towards me and my family,” Mikel told Turkish sports website Fotomac.
“I'm very disappointed with it, especially my family, my girlfriend and my kids, they are only four-years-old, why are you talking about my kids?” an angry Mikel asked later in the interview.
“They don't know anything. When you talk about my kids, I'm very sad about this. It's a very disturbing time for me and my family.”
The abuse came from Fenerbahce fans who were furious at the Nigerian midfielder for a foul on Emre Belözoğlu which he would have been punished for.
Mikel also revealed that he has received messages of support from his club, teammates, ex-colleagues, family members and friends.
SEE ALSO | Ronaldo Denies Secret Marriage With Georgina Rodriguez
Trabzonspor have however released a statement to condemn the abuse.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago