Police Investigate Racist Abuse of Arokodare, Three Others

Police have launched investigations into a series of racist attacks on Premier League players, warning offenders that they will be tracked down and prosecuted.

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it received four separate reports of online abuse over the weekend, targeting Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana, and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.

Arokodare was subjected to racist messages after missing a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, while Mundle faced similar abuse following his substitute appearance in Sunderland’s 3-1 loss to Fulham.

Fofana and Mejbri also shared screenshots of vile messages they received, with both players expressing frustration that despite campaigns against racism, perpetrators rarely face punishment.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, condemned the abuse, stressing: ‘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 that dedicated officers would work to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out described the weekend as ‘appalling’ and urged social media platforms to take stronger action.

The Premier League also issued a statement pledging support for Wolves and Sunderland, promising ‘serious consequences’ for offenders and reaffirming that ‘football is for everyone, there is no room for racism.’

The Prime Minister’s office echoed these sentiments, calling the abuse ‘abhorrent’ and insisting that ministers will hold social media companies accountable.

Meanwhile, a recent case involving Nigel Dewale, who abused England defender Jess Carter during the Women’s Euro, highlights that prosecutions are possible. Dewale is due to be sentenced in March after pleading guilty to malicious communication.