Police have launched investigations into racist abuse directed at four Premier League players over the weekend, warning perpetrators they cannot “hide behind their keyboards”. The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it received four separate reports of abuse towards top-flight players in the last three days.
The Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle revealed they had been sent abusive messages after their matches on Sunday. This followed similar reports from Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri, who received racist messages on Saturday. Rangers also reported that two of their players, Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez, had been abused on Instagram after Sunday’s draw with Livingston.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire, head of the UKFPU, condemned the abuse, stating: “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 Prime Minister’s spokesperson called on social media companies like Meta to help identify the culprits, adding: “The racism experienced by these footballers is abhorrent.”
The Premier League has vowed to assist investigations and promised “serious consequences” for guilty parties. However, Fofana expressed scepticism, writing: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished.” Mejbri urged: “Educate yourself and your kids, please.”
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has called for platforms to do more. A Meta spokesperson said: “No one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it.” Meanwhile, Nigel Dewale, who sent abuse to England defender Jess Carter, is set to be sentenced on 25 March after pleading guilty to malicious communication.
