Over the weekend, several footballers were subjected to abhorrent racist abuse online, highlighting the ongoing issue of discrimination in the sport. Wolves have voiced their disgust after forward Tolu Arokodare received numerous racist messages on social media following Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.
There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job.
Wolves FC
Wolves have reported the messages to the relevant platforms and are working with the Premier League and authorities to identify those responsible.
The abuse was not limited to Wolves. Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana, Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri, and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle also reported receiving racist messages over the weekend, while Rangers’ Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez were targeted after Sunday’s draw with Livingston. Additionally, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was subjected to alleged racist abuse during last week’s Champions League clash against Benfica on Tuesday, highlighting that this is a widespread problem across European football.
The UK Football Policing Unit has launched investigations.
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. 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.
Chief Constable of Cheshire, Mark Roberts to The Guardian
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has called on social media platforms to take stronger action against abusive content. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson emphasized that ministers will continue working to protect people from abuse, describing the racist messages aimed at players as “abhorrent.” He has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this time it is no different.
Despite repeated campaigns against racism, some players remain frustrated by the lack of accountability. Fofana wrote on Instagram: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.” Mejbri echoed the sentiment: “Educate yourself and your kids, please.”
The Premier League has pledged support for the investigations and warned of “serious consequences” for offenders. Meanwhile, platforms such as Meta, which owns Instagram, have stated they will continue cooperating with authorities and removing abusive content whenever identified.
Racism has no place in football or in society. Clubs, authorities, and platforms must work together to ensure players like Tolu Arokodare, and all those targeted, are protected and supported. Football is meant to be safe place, this past weekend it wasn’t.