A Slovenian club, Olimpija Ljubljana, has parted company with their coach, Marko Nikolic, after he racially abused Nigerian forward, Blessing Eleke.
Eleke, 20, was called a “black idiot” by the Serb who felt the striker spent too much time celebrating an equaliser.
His goal – the first for The Dragons at home, earned them a 1-1 draw against Zarc last week and ensured they maintained a two-point lead at the summit of the log.
The club initially refused to suspend the 36-year-old tactician, but the Slovenian FA banned him for seven games for “clear racism”.
“He made a mistake and had to pay for it,” club chairman, Milan Mandaric, said.
“We have reached an agreement with Marko for him to resign as coach. He is a good coach, a good man,” added the former Portsmouth, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday owner.
Nikolic, moved to the Stožice Stadium from native Partizan Belgrade early in the year, same time Eleke dumped rivals, Gorica, for the Green-Whites.
Both were believed to be having the best of relationships until the incident of April 10 which has attracted the eyes of the sporting world.
Nikolic admitted he made “an emotional reaction” as Eleke’s celebration meant there was less time for a winner and “never intended to offend the player racially”.
Olimpija was founded in 2005 and finished 4th in the Slovenian PrvaLiga last term.
