Four Premier League footballers faced vile racist messages on social media platforms over the course of a single weekend, marking what has been described as an “appalling” period for online discrimination in English football.
Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare became a target after failing to convert a penalty during his side’s 1-0 loss away to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with multiple accounts sending him racist abuse.
Sunderland confirmed their player Romaine Mundle also suffered abuse following his appearance off the bench in a 3-1 defeat against Fulham.
A day earlier, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri experienced similar treatment after their clubs’ 1-1 draw.
Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out responded to the weekend’s events on Sunday evening, releasing a statement that condemned the wave of racist incidents.
The charity characterised the succession of attacks as an “appalling weekend” for the sport.
The statement read: “We stand in solidarity with Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle.
“This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they’ve received on social media. But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly.”
Four Premier League footballers faced vile racist messages on social media platforms
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It added: “The message from them is loud and clear: action must follow.
“Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and nor should anyone else.”
Kick It Out has urged social media companies to implement more robust measures to tackle the persistent issue of online racial abuse directed at players.
The organisation has consistently campaigned for technology firms to take greater responsibility for the hateful content that appears on their platforms, particularly when footballers are targeted following matches.
Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare became a target after failing to convert a penalty
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GETTY
The Premier League issued its own statements on the latest incidents, vowing to assist Wolves’ and Sunderland’s investigations, committing to “serious consequences” for guilty parties and reaffirming: “Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism.”
Wolves said the club was “disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators”.
It added: “We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Tolu has our full and unwavering support.
“The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”
Five facts about the Premier League | GETTY/GBNEWS/PAArokodare said in an Instagram story: “It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences.
“These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”
Sunderland said: “The abhorrent behaviour displayed by multiple individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club under any circumstances.
“The club is actively working with the relevant authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible, and we will take the strongest possible action available to us. These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community – and they are not welcome on Wearside.”
