A South African soccer player based in Portugal George Matlou has become the latest victim of racism as he argues that a referee called him a monkey.

The former Bidvest Wits player’s club, AD Sanjoanense has since released a statement condemning the event, saying they are a big club and cannot just watch and take no action.

According to media reports, the incident happened when the 22-year-old was shown a red card in the latter stages of their clash against São João de Ver where they lost 2-1 on Sunday.

South African footballer George Matlou has alleged that he has been racially abused in Portugal. Image: LGMatlou/Instagram Source: Instagram It is widely reported that Matlou went to question the official, Nelson Cunha, as to why he was sent to the dressing room, but the official’s reply was an unsavoury one.

The club said in a statement: “AD Sanjoanense hereby comes to show its deep indignation and rejection of the events at the end of the game against São João de Ver.

“Our player, George Matlou, went to referee Nelson Cunha at the end of the match to question why he was sent off, to which he replied, ‘No speak English, go inside little monkey.

AD Sanjoanense, a historic and almost centenary club, cannot in any way agree with this situation and unconditionally supports the player George Matlou, striving for the determination of the facts and exemplary ban of the official.