Police in the UK have opened an investigation into “abhorrent” racist abuse aimed at four Premier League footballers online over the past weekend.
On Sunday, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted, following similar attacks on Saturday directed at Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri 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.”