The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has launched investigations into four separate reports of racism abuse of black players competing in the English Premier League.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare, Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri suffered online abuse after competing in games this past weekend.
Arokodare missed a penalty in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and subsequently received racist messages online while Fofana suffered the same fate and was red carded in Chelsea’s disappointing one all draw against Burnley.
This comes in the wake of the reported racist abuse Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr suffered at the hands of Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in the UEFA Champions League.
Addressing the reports, Chief Constable Mark Roberts said according to ESPN, “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person. We will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
“Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism” a section of the statement of the Premier League stated.
