Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has disclosed that he was racially abused after missing a penalty during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.
The missed spot-kick in the closely fought match added pressure on Wolves and intensified concerns over their Premier League standing.
Arokodare took to Instagram to condemn the abuse, writing: “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.”
The 26-year-old forward had the chance to put Wolves ahead from the penalty spot after referee Thomas Kirk awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Mateus Mane.
However, his effort was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who guessed correctly and held onto the strike. The missed opportunity proved costly as Evann Guessand struck late to secure victory for Palace.
Arokodare, who joined Wolves from Genk in a reported €26 million deal, has struggled for consistency, with just two league goals to his name this season, although he remains the club’s top scorer in the Premier League.
The defeat leaves Wolves bottom of the table on 10 points, 17 adrift of safety, almost guaranteeing relegation.