Karamoko Dembele alleges racist abuse by teammate while on Scotland youth duty
Former Celtic youngster Karamoko Dembele has alleged he was racially abused by a teammate while on international duty with Scotland at youth level.
Dembele was regarded as one of Celtic’s brightest academy prospects after emerging through the ranks at Parkhead, famously making his first-team debut aged just 16.
Born in London to Ivorian parents, the winger moved to Glasgow when he was three and grew up in Scotland, leaving him eligible to represent both Scotland and England.
Dembele featured for both countries at youth level but eventually felt more comfortable within the England set-up, with the now-QPR winger revealing a disturbing experience during one Scotland camp.
Speaking to The Athletic, Dembele said: “When I went to one of the Scotland camps, a team-mate was racist to me. He used a racial reference. He would always target me. I was so young — two years younger — I couldn’t defend myself physically but it was bullying, for sure.
“I don’t even want to say what he said. I didn’t report it. I felt disgusted. When you’re racially abused, coming out and saying that someone said this feels quite embarrassing.”
The Scottish FA has since responded to Dembele’s allegation and confirmed it has contacted the former Celtic player to offer support.
A spokesperson said: “We are saddened to learn of Karamoko’s experience while on international duty. The Scottish FA has made great strides in embedding a culture of equality and inclusion within all national teams. We have reached out to Karamoko to offer support but also to reaffirm our commitment to ensure everyone feels welcome and that measures are in place to prevent discrimination, whether real or perceived, within our camps.
“As part of Show Racism the Red Card’s Month of Action, we are launching a subsidised education programme to our member clubs designed to educate players, youth players, club staff and leaders. We will continue to support players across our squads and our member clubs, and work to eradicate all forms of discrimination in our national game.”
