Mboyo gives up Gent armband

Gent captain Ilombe Mboyo has resigned as club captain with immediate effect after a dispute with supporters.

The striker fired wide a 15th-minute penalty as Gent lost 2-0 to Waasland-Beveren, after which he lost his cool with fans.

At a press conference on Monday, the Belgium international apologised for his actions, claiming his outburst was triggered by racist comments from supporters.

“Maybe I would not have reacted if I wasn’t captain,” Mboyo told reporters.

“To show that I shouldn’t have done so, I will no longer wear the captain’s armband.”

The 25-year-old played youth football for Anderlecht and Club Brugge before serving three years in prison for his part in the gang rape of a teenage girl.

He was released in 2008 and made his international debut against Scotland in October, a call-up which sparked widespread controversy.