Super Eagles star, Uche Agbo, has explained his actions after being sent off in Standard Liege’s 2-1 defeat at KV Kortrijk in the Belgian League.
Agbo, 22, received his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards but the Nigerian was hesitant to leave the pitch.
When he eventually did, Agbo was targeted by sections of the home fans who pelted him with beer cups and other objects.
The Nigerian, however, responded with obscene gestures.
“I understand that I showed my emotions but racism of any form is completely unacceptable,” Agbo told BBC Sport on Friday.
“No matter how hard you try, it is difficult to overlook it and accept such a bad treatment during a football match.
“My club is handling the situation now and I thank our officials, my teammates and the fans for their incredible support so far.”
Coach Sa Pinto defended the Nigerian, saying he was within his rights to respond the way he did because his dismissal was not justified.
“His reaction was legitimate given the abuse against him,” he said.
Standard Liege captain, Sebastien Pocognolli, also said the behaviour of the fans must not go unpunished.
“I have never experienced any like this in Belgium,” he told local media.
“The game ought to have been stopped because of that. Something like this has to be punished.
“I can certainly understand the reaction of my player (Uche Agbo) especially after everything he has to listen to.”
Agbo, who played for Nigeria at the 2013 Fifa Under-20 World Cup and made his senior debut against Togo in June, only joined Standard Liege from English side Watford in July.
He was on the bench for the country’s last four 2018 World Cup fixtures home and away against Cameroon, the ties against Zambia and Algeria.
