Colchester United and Walsall have opened an investigation after Colchester goalkeeper Thimothée Lo-Tutala reported hearing discriminatory language during Saturday’s League Two match on 31 October. Both clubs plan to work with Essex Police and West Midlands Police to establish what was allegedly said and decide on any necessary action.
The allegation arose during the second half of Walsall’s 3-1 win at the JobServe Community Stadium. According to BBC, the 23-year-old goalkeeper, who is on loan from Hull City, reported hearing a comment from the away end.
Play stopped while Lo-Tutala spoke with referee Declan Brown, Colchester manager Danny Cowley and Walsall head coach Lee Grant. The assistant referees and the fourth official also joined the discussion on the touchline.
Club statements and reporting procedures
In an official investigation statement, Colchester confirmed that standard procedures are under way following the report of discriminatory language towards one of their players. Walsall released a similar statement backing the process.
Both clubs made clear that they will not tolerate discrimination. Colchester also urged fans to report any discriminatory behaviour directly to a matchday steward or through the Kick It Out reporting app.
Managers back the on-pitch response
Speaking after the match, as covered in an Express & Star report, Grant said Lo-Tutala followed the right procedure by reporting what he heard. He praised the match officials for involving both managers at the time and confirmed Walsall would support the goalkeeper and Colchester during the investigation.
Grant noted that he did not hear the alleged comment himself. Speaking to BBC Sport, he stressed that this did not mean the report was untrue, adding that the allegation needed to be handled properly and that Walsall would be appalled if racist abuse had occurred.
Cowley called the incident upsetting and said no player should face that type of abuse. He thanked Grant and the Walsall staff for their reaction, making clear his criticism was not aimed at the visiting club as a whole.
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Current status of the investigation
Neither club has publicly named anyone in connection with the allegation, and no findings have been announced. While the clubs’ statements confirm they will work with Essex Police and West Midlands Police, there has been no separately verified police announcement confirming an arrest or criminal charge. The matter remains under investigation as both clubs work to establish what was said before deciding on any further steps.
