Not just Vinícius Júnior: Four Premier League players targeted with racist abuse

Just days after Vinícius Júnior accused Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica, no fewer than four Premier League players have reported receiving discriminatory online messages.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were all targets of racist abuse over the weekend.

Clubs condemn “vile” online abuse

“Everyone at Burnley FC is disgusted by the online racist abuse directed at Hannibal following today’s Premier League fixture,” reads a Burnley statement after Mejbri was racially abused on Instagram. “There is no place for this in our society and we condemn it unreservedly. The club continues to be unequivocal in its stance, we have a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.”

“Sunderland AFC is appalled by the vile online racist abuse directed at Romaine Mundle following today’s Premier League fixture against Fulham,” stated Sunderland. “The abhorrent behavior displayed by multiple individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club under any circumstances.”

Wolves shared a number of screenshots received by Arokodare, who missed a penalty in Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace.

“Wolves are disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators, directed at Tolu Arokodare on social media following today’s fixture against Crystal Palace,” the club wrote in an accompanying statement. “There is no place for racism, in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behavior in the strongest possible terms.”

Investigations launched after multiple reports

The three clubs said they have begun working with the Premier League, the police and Meta Platforms, Instagram’s parent company, to identify the culprits and ensure appropriate action is taken.

As yet, Chelsea haven’t publicly commented on the abuse received by Fofana.

The UK Football Policing Unit has confirmed it has launched a “number of investigations” after four Premier League players suffered discriminatory abuse online.

“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,” said Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of the UKFPU, on Monday.

“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behavior and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

UK government responds

A spokesperson for Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, also spoke out on the incidents.

“The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different.

“Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.

“And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.