Sheffield United: Racial abuse aimed at defender during win over Hull City being investigated
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Gordon, an unused substitute at the MKM Stadium, reacted angrily to a comment from the crowd as he warmed-up on the touchline during the second-half.
Heckingbottom told The Star that referee Matt Donohue spoke with Gordon and officials from Bramall Lane following the final whistle, with a report on the matter now being sent to the Football Association and relevant authorities.
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“When the lads were warming up, there were allegations of racist abuse,” said Heckingbottom, who revealed United’s Oliver Arblaster had supported his team mate’s version of events. “The boys heard these and reported them.
“We’ve just been in with the officials now and they’ll follow the process. We reported it properly. Matt (referee Donohue) was great and showed good empathy for Kyron.
“It is disappointing. We are talking about two young players here. There’s no place for it, both in football. I am not speaking bad here about Hull supporters, I am thinking about football in general.
A spokesperson for City later acknowledged the hosts have launched their own investigation into the matter, which overshadowed United’s first away win of the campaign.
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“We know there is no place for it,” Heckingbottom continued. “It’s not nice. We’ll follow the process, we have gone through the right channels. We will see what happens.”
“Blaster witnessed it. By all accounts, it wasn’t hidden. It was blatantly obvious.”
Goals from Oli McBurnie and Sander Berge either side of the interval saw United condemn Shota Arveldaze’s men to their first home defeat since April. McBurnie has now scored three times in as many games while Berge, the Norway international, was making his first appearance since it became clear he would be remaining with the visitors until at least January. Club Brugge and Chelsea were among the clubs to hold conversations with United about the midfielder on transfer deadline day.
“You’re always delighted with a win away from home,” said Heckingbottom, who saw defender Max Lowe limp-off with a hamstring strain during the first-half. “I thought we nullified them (City) when they tried to come forward. They had their moments but the whole team contributed.”