Thursday Fulham Stuff - 25/05/23...

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Wednesday
Brighton	1-1	Man City

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'He is very happy': Vice-Chairman doesn't think his 'great' manager will be leaving for Tottenham"

Marco Silva has been linked with a move away from Fulham in recent weeks, but Tony Khan believes that his manager is going to stay at the west London club.

Speaking to The Athletic, the Whites' Vice-Chairman spoke about Silva's future, and he claimed that the Portuguese gaffer is very happy at Fulham and that he's positive about his chances of staying at Craven Cottage.

Of course, this comes against a backdrop of interest from both Tottenham and West Ham United, but Khan believes that his boss will not be crossing the London divide anytime soon.

Silva staying
Khan shared his verdict on Silva.

"I have so much praise for Marco," says Khan.

"So much great stuff has happened since he came here. We have a coach who likes being at Fulham. The players like the coach, the coach likes the players. And for me personally, it has been the most fun I have had."

"It has all come together for a really special moment and I am very positive about Marco (staying). He is very happy at Fulham, and all of us are very happy with him. We want that to continue, hopefully for a very long time."

Great news for Fulham
Marco Silva is re-establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top managers, and the fact that Khan thinks he'll stay at Craven Cottage is great news for Fulham.

Indeed, Silva has transformed this Fulham team after a drab spell under Scott Parker, and if the transfer window goes well this summer, a European push isn't out of the question.

Of course, Silva may have visions of managing a club of Spurs' size, but at the age of just 45, he has plenty of time to build his reputation further before taking a job of that stature.



https://tbrfootball.com/he-is-very-happy-vice-chairman-doesnt-think-his-great-manager-will-be-leaving-for-tottenham/

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One Week To Go: Season Ticket Renewals

The 2023/24 Season Ticket renewal window closes one week today - at 5pm on Wednesday 31st May!
Ensure you're there for all of next season's Premier League action by renewing your Season Ticket.

For 2022/23 Season Ticket Holders who have not yet renewed, these seats will be held until 5pm on Wednesday 31st May. After this point, they will be released for other supporters to purchase.

Marco Silva's Fulham side have made a historic return to the Premier League this season, with a top half of the table finish confirmed and the team on the cusp of a highest-ever Premier League points-tally - don't miss out on securing your seat for another exciting season of top-flight action!

To renew, please visit tickets.fulhamfc.com and log in with your OneFulham Account. Your available seat(s) will be displayed on the Tickets Profile homepage, listed under Your Reserved Tickets.

Supporters can also renew by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810, with extended phone line opening hours to accomodate this busy period.

RENEW ONLINE
Ticket Office Phone Line Opening Hours:

Friday 26th May: 9am-7pm
Saturday 27th May: 10am-1pm
Sunday 28th May: CLOSED
Monday 29th May: 10am-1pm
Tuesday 30th May: 9am-7pm
Wednesday 31st May: 9am-5pm

Further season ticket renewal information can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/may/24/one-week-to-go-season-ticket-renewals/

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Fulham: Whites "keen" on Edouard Michut signing
The Frenchman has been likened to Paris-Saint Germain star Marco Verratti.

Fulham are now interested in signing young Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Edouard Michut, according to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas.

Who could Fulham sign this summer?
It's been a successful season overall for Marco Silva and his side upon their first full campaign back in the Premier League, with the Whites securing their top flight safety long ago.

Fulham have even won an impressive 15 out of their 37 league games played, which is four more than west London rivals and big spenders Chelsea who languish beneath them.

The Craven Cottage side's solid season has even generated some interest in Silva from top English sides as Tottenham have been linked with a move in recent weeks.

Fulham are now tasked with building upon this season whilst making sure they strengthen in key areas for 2023/2024 - with the Cottagers identifying summer targets.

Defensive midfielders appear to be high on Silva's agenda for the summer window as FC Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe is rumoured to be of interest.

This comes as star player Joao Palhinha could move away, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Man United all thought to be circling (Football Insider).

Fulham are apparently "scouring the market" for midfield improvements as Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been linked with a move (90min).

Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma is reportedly on the agenda too and Sky journalist Thomas now claims Michut of PSG is attracting Fulham's fondness.

Taking to Twitter, the reporter says they are keen to sign him, with Michut set to return to PSG following his loan spell at Sunderland.

He explained:

Excl. #FulhamFC are among the clubs keen on Edouard Michut as he returns to #ParisSaintGermain following his loan at #Sunderland. Option won't be taken to stay. He's heading back to #PSG and will consider his options https://t.co/OzHTtF6aQx #FFC pic.twitter.com/kcfbcYvx6P

— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) May 23, 2023

Who is Edouard Michut?
The 20-year-old made 25 Championship appearances for Sunderland over his temporary spell, averaging their fifth-highest rate of tackles per 90 in the divison (WhoScored).

Michut has also been tipped for stardom, once branded the "new Verratti" by GOAL's annual NXGN list last year (via The Daily Record) - though his numbers at Sunderland over 22/23 may suggest he has a way to go for that tag.

However, it's also believed he was once a target for Barcelona (Sport), with The Catalans having previously held an interest in signing the Frenchman.

Depending on the price tag, Michut could be a player worth considering based off past potential and plaudits, though we believe he is unlikely to come in as a first team upgrade.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-transfer-news-edouard-michut-premier-league/

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West Ham risk ruining fine record if Joao Palhinha completes transfer from Fulham

West Ham United have been credited with interest in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, should club captain Declan Rice complete a summer transfer exit

West Ham United have been linked with transfer interest in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer if captain Declan Rice departs the club as expected.

Hammers captain Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a big money exit from the London Stadium this season, with Arsenal believed to be in pole position to land the 24-year–old, while Chelsea and Newcastle United have also been linked with the 41-time England international.

Reports from the Guardian have suggested that should Rice depart the London Stadium this summer as expected, the club have identified Fulham's Joao Palhinha as a primary target to replace Rice in the middle of midfield.

Palhinha has been one of the stars of Fulham's side this season that has sealed a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League this term, the Cottagers' best finish to a top-flight season in 11 years when they finished ninth in the 2011/12 campaign.

With 144 tackles in the Premier League this season, his first in English, Palhinha has 24 more tackles in league matches this season than any other player in Europe's top five leagues (Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A), with a tackle success percentage of 70.6%.

Palhinha's duties as a defensive midfielder and his ability to put in challenges at such a frequent rate have come at a price, and should West Ham opt to sign him, they would have to accept one of his drawbacks - his discipline.

The 27-year-old Portuguese star has started 34 of Fulham's 37 league matches so far this season, with the three he missed all being due to suspension.

Palhinha missed a 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle United on October 1 and defeats to Brentford and Arsenal in March due to yellow card suspensions. On 13 bookings, not only is he the most-booked player in the Premier League this season, he is also joint-top for league bookings across all of Europe's top five leagues this season.

West Ham would therefore be inheriting someone with a reputation of getting booked and missing games through suspension.

In contrast, West Ham have gone an entire season directly without seeing any of their players pick up a suspension for reaching five or ten yellow cards before the suspension parameters reset.

Only in Europe have they been affected by suspensions. Defender Angelo Ogbonna and midfielder Flynn Downes have both missed European matches this term due to picking up three yellow cards.

West Ham have the best disciplinary record in the Premier League this season, sitting joint-lowest for yellow cards on 43 from their 37 matches, but unlike Manchester City tied with them, are one of six clubs not to have had a player sent off in the Premier League this season.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/west-ham-transfer-joao-palhinha-26984736

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"Refused to let me go" – Player reveals club blocked Fulham move, no big regrets anyway

FC Twente defender Wout Brama has revealed the club refused to let him join Fulham earlier in his career as he gears up to retire at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has been speaking to Tubantia about his career so far, which has seen him spend the majority of his time in the Netherlands with Twente.

He started his career with the Dutch club, working his way up from the U17s to the U19s and then the first team, staying with them for nine years before leaving on a free transfer in 2014.

He then enjoyed spells with PEC Zwolle, FC Utrecht and Central Coast in Australia before returning to Twente in 2018 for a last spell at the club.

He's won everything with the club in his time there, winning the Eredivisie title in 2009/10, the Eerste Divisie in 2018/19, the KNVB Cup in 2010/11 and the Johan Cruijff Schaal in 2010 and 2011.

It means he has no regrets or ill-feeling towards the club, even if they did stop him from joining Fulham earlier in his career.

"I got the most out of it. There was nothing more to it," he said.

"Maybe if I hadn't been injured in 2014, I could have made a nice step to Germany. I could still go to Nuremberg in the summer, but then Verbeek was fired.

"Later, Twente refused to let me go to Fulham and Frankfurt and that was fine with me. I've never been difficult about that. As a player you don't sign a contract for nothing. After such a 'no' I hang up and go on again." 



http://sportwitness.co.uk/refused-let-go-player-reveals-club-blocked-fulham-move/

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Toon plan summer move for Man City loanee – West Ham, Burnley & Fulham also keen – Report

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have joined the race for Man City centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis following his outstanding loan spell at Burnley.

Naturally, Vincent Kompany is keen to bring the 21-year-old back to Turf Moor this summer following promotion, but it's thought Newcastle, West Ham and Fulham are all keen on the England Under-21 skipper.

The defender is approaching the final 12 months of his contract with City and with regular playing time not guaranteed, could be looking to move elsewhere.

Harwood-Bellis could play alongside Anthony Gordon at this summer's UEFA U21 Euro finals, with our £40m winger called up to the Young Lions' squad earlier today.

With Newcastle on the lookout for at least one centre-back this summer and Eddie Howe often keen to recruit exciting English talent, I wouldn't be surprised if we have been showing interest. If he signed, he'd certainly have two classy operators to learn from in Sven Botman and Fabian Schar.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/05/24/newcastle-set-to-join-premier-league-rivals-in-race-for-man-city-loanee-report/?utm_content=cmp-true

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Report: West Ham want 'exceptional' £40 million star Joao Palhinha to replace Rice

West Ham are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window.

According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, Fulham ace Joao Palhinha is on the radar of West Ham.

Hammers boss David Moyes is clearly on the hunt for a new central midfielder, with Declan Rice being heavily tipped to leave the London Stadium this summer.

The 24-year-old West Ham skipper is being linked with a summer move to our London rivals Arsenal.

And if Dec leaves, it seems as though Moyes plans to raid another of our rivals from the Capital for a top-class midfielder...

West Ham eyeing Joao Palhinha swoop
The Guardian reckon that the Hammers are targeting a move to sign the 27-year-old Fulham midfielder this summer.

I think that Palhinha would be a tremendous addition for West Ham. However, as I've said many times before, only if he is brought in alongside another top-class central midfielder.

The Portuguese star joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2022 for around £20 million (Sky Sports).

Palhinha has been described as exceptional by Breaking the Lines, and they're not wrong – he really is s superb player.

In 34 Premier League appearances since joining Fulham, the 27-year-old has scored three goals and has averaged 4.2 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per match. He has made 36.3 passes per match on average and has recorded a completion rate of 83.1% (Who Scored).

Joao Palhinha is a truly fantastic defensive midfielder and would be a super signing for West Ham. He has already proven that he possesses all of the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.

Fulham allegedly want around £40 million for Palhinha (Daily Mail). I think that would represent good value for the Hammers. And if David Moyes signs the Portuguese ace in addition to someone like Khephren Thuram then I think we'll be in a great place to move on after Declan Rice leaves.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/report-west-ham-want-exceptional-50-million-star-joao-palhinha-to-replace-rice/

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West Ham eye £50m Liverpool target as replacement for Declan Rice

West Ham are reportedly lining up a move for Fulham star Joao Palhinha to replace Declan Rice, with both players rumoured to be on Liverpool's midfield shortlist.

According to the Guardian, the £50m-rated Portuguese international is an option for the east London side if they lose their club captain this summer, a prospect that feels inevitable even if West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Prague.

The Mirror reported that the 24-year-old England star is on Liverpool's radar as Jurgen Klopp looks to overhaul his midfield options this summer, and another player who is wanted by Liverpool is Palhinha according to TalkSport, with the German manager a huge fan of the Fulham dynamo.

With Liverpool focusing their attention on Alexis Mac Allister, West Ham could find themselves in the lead to sign Palhinha should the win the Europa Conference League and manage to sell Rice early on in the window, a set of moves that could be devastating for the Anfield side.

Indeed, both midfielders could be exceptional signings for Liverpool this summer, yet with West Ham now identifying Palhinha as a replacement for Rice and the Irons' skipper likely to move to Arsenal, Klopp could have to rethink some ideas heading into the transfer window.

Palhinha signing for West Ham would be a kicker for Liverpool
Palhinha has enjoyed the mother of all debut seasons in England, with the midfielder playing a key role in Fulham's comfortable midtable finish and establishing himself as one of the most exciting talents in the division, and West Ham landing the Portuguese star would be a blow for Liverpool.

The Reds are well aware of Palhinha's abilities and how much value the midfielder can bring to the squad, and losing out on the Fulham man to West Ham of all clubs would be viewed by many as a blow for Liverpool, who should be blowing the Hammers out of the water for the 27-year-old.



https://www.rousingthekop.com/2023/05/24/west-ham-eye-50m-liverpool-target-as-replacement-for-declan-rice/

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Report: Nottingham Forest want Fulham gem George Wickens

Nottingham Forest are keen on signing Fulham starlet George Wickens as they look to bolster their goalkeeping ranks. The Reds will look to sign two new stoppers when the January transfer window reopens.

Dean Henderson is likely to be the club's number-one priority between the sticks. However, the Daily Mail believes that Wickens is being targeted as a possible number two to the 26-year-old.

Wickens has been the third choice in Marco Silva's team this season. As a result, he's keen to possibly move on and try to establish himself in the squad on a matchday either as a number one or two.

Forest aren't the only club that are keen on signing the 21-year-old. Luton Town and Southampton are both showing an interest as Wickens moves into the final year of his contract.

The Reds have used three goalkeepers this season. Henderson started the season as the number one, with Keylor Navas becoming the number one for the second half of the campaign.

Wayne Hennessey has also made appearances sporadically during the season. Behind those three, George Shelvey and Jordan Smith have been seen with the squad on a matchday.

Wickens does have some men's football under his belt. During the 2021/22 campaign, he spent time at Wealdstone in the National League and kept 12 clean sheets from 40 appearances.

Forest keen on signing Wickens and he could be very useful
Wickens does feel as though he fits the ethos of a Forest signing very nicely. He's young, keen to learn and would surely welcome the chance to become a part of a Premier League squad.

The Fulham star is almost 6ft 5in and that makes him an uncompromising player. Naturally, his strongest attribute is taking crosses from the air and he's also got decent distribution qualities.

The Cottagers have stayed in the Premier League at a canter this term. They will be hoping to build again next season, although they might have to do that without Wickens who could be about to move.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2023/05/24/report-nottingham-forest-want-fulham-gem-george-wickens/

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The centre-backs Newcastle could sign – Bundesliga speedster, Fulham gem & Ligue 1 star

Ahead of the summer transfer window, I am composing a series of articles looking at potential transfer targets for the club. In the past, we have managed to identify some players that go on to be heavily linked with the club.

The first position we will look at is right centre-back. It is a position that we need reinforcements in. Fabian Schar has been very good under Eddie Howe, but he needs more competition for his place. Jamaal Lascelles is a leader and useful to have around. The club captain is unlikely to be a first teamer in Eddie Howe's system. On the left, we have Dan Burn and Sven Botman. It is on the right where we need another capable starter.

I would expect the club to target a quick, mobile centre back, who is comfortable in possession. Schar's weakness is in the air, therefore, our right centre back signing will need to be better in this department as it is currently one of the deficiencies in our defence.

Our defence has been good in 2022/23, but there is a lack of pace and we are susceptible to pace in behind. Howe does prefer Premier League experience, but this is a position where we need to look abroad. Below, we profile three potential targets.

Tosin Adarabioyo – Fulham
Tosin Aderabioyo is a player I have wanted us to sign for a couple of years. He has all the attributes to be a very good centre back and he has the Premier League experience that Eddie Howe likes. At the age of 25, he still has time to develop and would benefit from working under Howe. Unlike others on this list, he wouldn't expect to walk into the first team and could take a year to transition into the side ahead of Schar.

At Fulham, he has gained key experience in the Premier League, but he isn't a player they would class as unsellable. The price also wouldn't be prohibitive, with a fee of around £20-25m perhaps being enough. For the player he could become, it would be a potential bargain.

Aderabioyo is a centre back that can launch attacks with his passes and ball carrying. He averages 4.07 progressive passes (78th percentile) and 0.88 progressive carries (76th percentile) per ninety minutes. These qualities are important in Howe's system.

At the back, he reads the game well and isn't afraid to remove the ball from danger, as shown by his huge average of 6.33 clearances (99th percentile) per ninety minutes. Standing at 6'5", Aderabioyo is effective in the air, as shown by his 2.48 successful aerial duels per ninety minutes.

Although not known for his pace, the Fulham centre back is certainly more mobile than our current options. It wouldn't be a ground-breaking signing, but it could perhaps be a smart one.

Maxence Lacroix – Wolfsburg
If Aderabioyo fits the profile of centre back that we will be looking for, then Maxence Lacroix also will, with fbref listing them as similar players. The 23-year-old has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and he certainly has the physical profile that our defence lacks. The Frenchman is very quick and capable of covering large areas of space.

Lacroix is another defender that likes to build from the back and progress the ball. He averages 4.28 progressive passes (81st percentile) and 0.75 progressive carries (64th percentile). The 23-year-old is confident with the ball and can beat opposition defenders, which is important to beat the press. His pass completion of 87.1% shows that he can be relied on to retain possession.

As an aerial presence, Lacroix is more than capable, with an average of 2.64 successful aerial duels per ninety minutes. An average of 1.34 tackles, 1.59 interceptions, 1.34 blocks and 4.88 clearances show how he is an active defender.

Southampton came close to signing Lacroix earlier this year. This suggests that the price isn't prohibitive and that the player is open to a Premier League move. Wolfsburg aren't certainties to be playing in Europe next season, which would increase the chance of Lacroix moving.

At 23, Lacroix could be the perfect signing for us. He's young and has the physical profile to thrive in Howe's system. The potential is huge and it would be an exciting capture.

Jean-Clair Todibo – Nice
There have been some minor links to Jean-Clair Todibo, which have been met with enthusiasm on social media. It would be a signing that makes a lot of sense, as he is comfortable in possession having been schooled at Barcelona. His experience in Ligue 1 has improved him as a player and he could be ready to step up to the Premier League.

Nice are a team that have a lot of the ball, so Todibo is used to playing in a possession-dominant team. He averages 69.44 passes per ninety minutes and his completion rate is 88.3%. This shows he can be trusted not to give the ball away.

Like the others discussed, he is very good at progressing the ball into the attacking half. Todibo averages 4.95 progressive passes (91st percentile) and 0.74 progressive carries (64th percentile) per ninety minutes.

Todibo is an aggressive defender, who looks to win the ball through tackling. He averages 2.36 successful tackles (91st percentile) per ninety minutes. The defender has recovery pace and has the ability to make tackles that prevent clear cut chances. This is an attribute we desperately need in our defence.

There are some concerns about his physicality. Todibo only wins 1.17 aerial duels per ninety minutes. This is an area he will need to improve on if we do sign him.



https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2023/05/24/summer-2023-scouting-centre-back-suggestions/

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Willian: Vinicius deserves to be 'celebrated, not tolerated'
Willian has suggested Vinicius Junior may not feel it is worthwhile to stay at Real Madrid after receiving racist abuse, saying the Brazil winger should be "celebrated, not tolerated".

Vinicius was the victim of racist abuse from some Valencia supporters during Madrid's 1-0 defeat at Mestalla Stadium on Sunday.

The Brazil international was subsequently sent off – a red card that has since been rescinded – while LaLiga president Javier Tebas caused upset with his reaction to the incident.

Tebas responded to a tweet by Vinicius, writing: "Before you criticise and insult LaLiga, you need to inform yourself well, Vini Jr. Don't let yourself be manipulated."

LaLiga's chief has now apologised for his comments, though Willian believes his fellow Brazilian Vinicius would be within his rights to consider whether his future remains in Spain.

"This is a tough question," Fulham playmaker Willian said in an exclusive interview with Stats Perform.

"Only he can answer what he is feeling. I see him going through this and I get a feeling that is a mixture of anger and sadness, all at the same time, for seeing this situation.

"It's up to each one of us. If he sees that it's worth it to keep being there, if he has all the support from the club, from the Spanish federation, it's worth persisting. But if you see that people don't care about the situation, it might be worth going to another place where you are celebrated, not tolerated.

"I always say this: you have to be where you are celebrated and not tolerated. That is what I believe.

"But Vini is making beautiful history at Real Madrid and has everything to continue making history there. I hope this situation is resolved and the people who do this are punished each time."

Madrid reported the incident to the Spanish prosecutor's office as a hate crime, and three arrests have subsequently been made.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has ordered a partial closure of Valencia's stadium for five matches, and Willian hopes that punishment will be a turning point in the battle against racism.

He added: "I hope so. I hope this can be ahead of money, ahead of trophies, an issue like this, a situation like this is far more important than anything else. I hope the authorities, the federations, can take real action from now on.

"We are in 2023 and we see this happening. It's depressing. It's exhausting. You enter the pitch to play football, to give joy to the fans, and you end up being insulted, and that is very sad. I hope this can end, end once and for all in football, in everyday life, wherever.

"People need to know that we are all equal, there is no difference because of race or colour."

Vinicius did not play for Madrid against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, watching on from the stands as his compatriot Rodrygo scored a late winner.

The Madrid fans showed their support for the 22-year-old with banners and a minute's applause.

Willian, who was the recipient of threats during his spell with Corinthians last year, believes the English Football Association (FA) set a good example for other federations to follow when it comes to tackling racism, but more must be done.

"There is [racism] everywhere," he said. "Here in England, it might happen, but I have never seen, I have never witnessed a situation like the one that has been happening with Vini in Spain.

"In Italy, it happens sometimes too. Here in England, it is more difficult because I think the FA is very strict about these things. I am sure that if this happens here, they will ban the fan immediately, the federation can punish the club, and they can leave them without fans, but it is a complicated situation.

"I've said it many times: while the authorities don't do what has to be done, it's no use. We players do what we can, which is to expose, post on social media, and talk about it in interviews. But we can't punish.

"We players have to simply get on the pitch and keep playing, keep going to training. Those who can punish often don't do what has to be done. We need to have a real rigorous punishment and not just keep running campaigns like 'no to racism' or something like that and that's it.

"I hope that more and more fans can be punished or that whoever does this will be punished."



https://keepup.com.au/news/willian-vinicius-deserves-to-be-celebrated-not-tolerated/