Fulham footballer Rodrigo Muniz was subjected to a campaign of vile racist abuse by an online troll following his performances against Liverpool last season.
Vile Messages Sent After Key Fixtures
Harry Brown, aged 25, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, targeted the Brazilian-born Premier League striker on two separate occasions via Instagram direct messages. The abuse began after Muniz scored in Fulham's 2-2 draw at Anfield on 14th December. Brown sent a message calling the player a 'f****** slave' and stating 'hope your family gets hurt'.
Less than four months later, on 6th April, after Muniz played in Fulham's 3-2 home victory over Liverpool at Craven Cottage, Brown sent further abuse. This message said 'hope your family dies' and included a monkey emoji, which Muniz believed was a clear racial insult referencing his heritage.
Player's Disgust and Legal Proceedings
In a statement, the 24-year-old centre forward, who joined Fulham from Flamengo in 2001, said he was 'disgusted and offended' by the comments. He had no prior contact with the Instagram account and took screenshots of the criminal content. 'It is my opinion that the monkey emoji and using the term slave was sent as a racial insult due to my heritage,' Muniz stated. 'Also, wishing for my family to be hurt or die is grossly offensive.'
At Carlisle Magistrates' Court, Brown pleaded guilty to two offences under the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Prosecutor George Shelley outlined how the messages were sent with the purpose of causing distress or anxiety to the player. Brown fully admitted his conduct when interviewed by police and has no previous convictions.
Sentencing Adjourned for Reports
No mitigation was offered by Brown's solicitor, Trystan Roberts, after District Judge adjourned the case for a probation service pre-sentence report. Brown remains on bail and is due to be sentenced at the same court on 22nd January 2026.
His bail conditions currently ban him from being inside designated geographical areas before and after football matches involving both Barrow and England. An application by Cumbria Police for a football banning order will be considered at the next hearing.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of racist online abuse targeting high-profile sports figures and the legal consequences for those who commit such offences.
