Bangladesh international Hamza Choudhury was shown a yellow card for protesting against what is reported to be racist abuse from Portsmouth supporters during Leicester City’s 1-0 Championship defeat at Fratton Park on 18 April.
The incident occurred in the 71st minute as Choudhury was being substituted off. As he made his way towards the dugout, offensive remarks were directed at him from the home end. Choudhury reacted by exchanging heated words with supporters in the stands before the referee intervened — and, rather than addressing the abuse, showed the midfielder a yellow card. Choudhury then pushed away a member of Leicester’s coaching staff as he took his seat on the bench, visibly frustrated.
The match itself had already turned against Gary Rowett’s side by that point. Ibane Bowat had put Portsmouth ahead in the 63rd minute, and Leicester were unable to find a way back into the game despite Choudhury’s replacement Jordan James being introduced from the bench.
The defeat leaves Leicester in a deeply precarious position. With 41 points from 43 matches, they sit 23rd in the 24-team Championship table. Rowett’s side must win all three of their remaining fixtures and rely heavily on results elsewhere to have any hope of avoiding a second relegation in as many seasons. If they fail to beat Hull City on Tuesday evening, relegation to the third tier could be confirmed that night.
Choudhury, who had only recently returned from injury, started the match having been selected by Rowett from the outset. His evening ended in controversy rather than the result his side so desperately needed.
