Police have confirmed they are investigating after four Premier League players experienced online racial abuse at the weekend.
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana both received racist abuse on Instagram after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
On Sunday, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were also targeted for abuse on social media.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said on Monday it has “launched a number of investigations” after receiving four separate reports of online racial abuse.
On Monday, Police Scotland said it was investigating after Rangers players Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama shared screenshots of racist abuse aimed at them on their social media accounts after Sunday’s match at Livingston.
“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,” said chief constable Mark Roberts, who is the head of the UKFPU.
“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said reports of online abuse are at record levels, increasing by a third compared to the same point last season.
Mike Ankers, UKFPU deputy director, told BBC Radio 5 Live said the police unit has seen an increase of about 115% in the number of reports.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman also described the abuse as “abhorrent”, adding: “The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different.
“Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.
“And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens.”
