Terry Francona on racist tweets sent to Yu Chang: “Errors are part of the game, but ignorance and racism [are not]”

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CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Indians manager Terry Francona defended first baseman Yu Chang and blasted the “fans” who took to Twitter to send Chang racists tweets following a ninth inning error that contributed to Cleveland’s 4-3 loss to the White Sox Monday night.

Chang revealed some of the hateful messages in a response that said, "Exercise your freedom of speech in a right way," Chang wrote. "I accept all comments, positive or negative but DEFINITELY NOT RACIST ONES. Thank you all and love you all #StopAsianHate."

Prior to Tuesday’s game in Chicago against the White Sox, Francona met with Chang and his interpreter about the social media posts and to offer support.

“First, I just wanted to check on Yu,” Francona said, “to make sure he was OK and to make sure he understood that the lunacy or the idiocy or however you [want to describe it] that was said was not shared by, hopefully not many people, certainly not in the Indians organization.”

With one out and runners on first and second, Chang attempted to get a force out at second base on a ball hit to him instead of taking the out at first. He went for the double play instead and his throw to second base hit Yasmani Grandal in the helmet allowing Nick Madrigal to score the winning run for the White Sox in the bottom of the ninth.

“Truth be told, man, it’s really simple: errors are part of the game, but ignorance and racism, they shouldn’t be anywhere. Those comments, they have nothing to do with baseball. Whether a play’s being made or not, they’re just an excuse for someone to be stupid or ignorant. That’s really what it is.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports