Police in the UK have launched an investigation into “abhorrent” racist abuse directed online at four Premier League footballers over the past weekend.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, following similar abuse suffered by Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri on Saturday after their 1-1 draw.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), condemned the behaviour, stating, “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again.” He vowed the UKFPU would do everything possible to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Arokodare received racist messages after missing a penalty in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Sunderland confirmed Mundle endured similar attacks after his substitute appearance in a 3-1 loss at Fulham.
British anti-racism charity Kick It Out described it as an “appalling weekend” of abuse, stressing that “action must follow.” The Premier League also issued a statement, warning of “serious consequences” and reiterating: “Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism.”
However, French defender Fofana, who shared images of the messages, expressed cynicism, posting: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished… nobody actually does anything.”
In a separate development, Nigel Dewale, who racially abused England defender Jess Carter last year, is due to be sentenced on March 25. European football governing body UEFA is also investigating claims of racial abuse made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a recent Champions League match.
(Vanguard)
