2PJA4NR Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres (2nd-left) lines up with his team-mates before the Sky Bet Championship match at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry. Picture date: Saturday April 1, 2023.
Fankaty Dabo’s penalty cost Coventry a spot in the Premier League during their penalty shootout defeat to Luton – and two days later he’s left the club after his contract with the Sky Blues expired
Coventry City have released Fankaty Dabo – just days after his spot kick miss sent Luton Town to the Premier League in the play-off final.
The Sky Blues lost 6-5 on penalties to Luton on Saturday, with Dabo being the only player to fluff his lines from the spot. Dabo was then subjected to sickening racist abuse online, which Coventry strongly condemned in a statement.
A club statement said: “The messages are abhorrent. We are clear there is no place for racism in our society. The club will work with the PFA, EFL and Police and will seek to ban and prosecute any person found to have sent racist messages.”
Dabo has now left the club after his contract expired. One fan responded to the news by tweeting: “Coventry City have released Dabo only two days after missing the penalty keeping them in the Championship…”
“Feel bad for Fankaty Dabo. His self-confidence must be the lowest of low,” a second added. While a third tweeted: “Sad Dabo’s time at Coventry ended like that!”
“Shame to see it end the way it has for Dabo. I don’t blame him for the penalty miss he’s been great while at the club,” a fourth said. And another added: “Nothing but admiration for Dabo, had the bravery to step up knowing full well it was most likely going to be his last kick in sky blue.”
Coventry boss Mark Robins said: “I would like to thank those who are leaving for their time with us, the contributions that they have made to Coventry City, and wish them all of the best for their future careers.
“In particular, Fankaty Dabo and Michael Rose were huge parts of the side that won the League One title and then established us in the Championship.
“They will both be fondly remembered for many years to come by all Sky Blues fans, and the outpouring of support for Fanky from our supporters following Saturday goes to show the esteem he is held in.”
