Six-time DR Congo champions FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo have appealed the decision by the Congolese Football Federation [Linafoot ] to ban their coach, Luc Eymael, following recent allegations of racism.
The former Black Leopards coach has been slapped with a six-month ban after he allegedly made racist remarks against a goalkeeper of Blessing FC in a league match.
He is accused of calling the goalkeeper the N-word, an accusation that both Eymael and the club have denied.
In a statement, Linafoot said: “At the 87th minute, the match was stopped for three minutes following the protest by Blessing FC supporters of FC St Eloi Lupopo’s second goal.
“It was on this occasion that coach Luc Eymael, blushing like a wounded lion, made insulting and racist remarks to the Blessing FC goalkeeper, the match officials and the members of the Blessing FC committee.”
LUC EYMAEL REFUTES ALLEGATIONS OF RACISM LEVELED AGAINST HIM
In an interview with FARPost, the former Polokwane City FC and Free State Stars coach has denied the accusations. He believes there is a witch hunt because his club is topping the league group A log against rivals TP Mazembe. He insists the recent report by the league does not represent the facts of what happened on 30 November 2024.
“We have evidence, declaration and video of the goalkeeper of the other team and coach that I did not insult and certainly not racist towards them,” said Eymael.
“We have the testimony of the opposing goalkeeper who admits that I absolutely did not speak to him.”
FC SAINT-ELOI LUPOPO APPEALS DECISION BY THE CONGOLESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION
Meanwhile, Lupopo have also confirmed that they are appealing the decision. The club and coach are expecting a decision from the league before the end of this week.
“The concerned person will appeal this decision in order to shed all the light and demand a hearing and confrontation of all the people involved for the administration of a good justice that recommends that for such an accusation,” the club said.
“There is a lack of evidence that the perpetrator is heard and can present his means of defence. St Eloi Lupopo Football Club, who will accompany him in this process to repair, believes firmly in the integrity of the Management Committee members, who were probably misled on purpose.”
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