Police have launched investigations into racist abuse directed at four Premier League players over the weekend, with a senior officer warning offenders they cannot “hide behind their keyboards.” The UK Football Policing Unit confirmed it has received four separate reports of abuse aimed at top-flight footballers, including Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare, Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle, Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana, and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, condemned the “abhorrent behaviour” and vowed to use a dedicated team of officers to identify those responsible. The prime minister’s spokesperson called on social media companies like Meta to help identify the culprits, emphasising that the racism experienced by the players is “abhorrent” and that ministers will continue working to protect people from abuse.
Rangers also reported that two of their players, Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez, received racial abuse on Instagram after Sunday’s match against Livingston, and that the content has been reported to Meta and will be reported to police. The Premier League has pledged to assist Wolves and Sunderland in their investigations, warning of “serious consequences” for guilty parties.
However, some players expressed frustration at the lack of meaningful action. Sharing images of the abuse he received, Fofana wrote: “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 also shared abusive messages, urging people to “educate yourself and your kids, please.”
Meanwhile, a case against Nigel Dewale, who sent racist abuse to England defender Jess Carter during the Women’s Euros last summer, is set for sentencing on 25 March after he pleaded guilty to malicious communication. A Meta spokesperson said the company removes such content when found and continues to work with police, but acknowledged that “no one thing will stop racist behaviour overnight.”
