Police on Monday said they are probing “abhorrent” racist abuse posted online at four footballers over the weekend.
Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, a day after Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri received similar abuse following their clubs’ 1-1 draw.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UK Football Policing Unit, stressed that racism will not be tolerated, warning offenders they cannot hide online. He added that the unit condemns the behaviour and will work to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Arokodare was targeted after missing a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace, while Sunderland later confirmed Mundle suffered similar attacks after coming on in a 3-1 defeat at Fulham.
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out denounced an “appalling weekend” of abuse, noting such incidents occur frequently and insisting decisive action must follow. The Premier League also warned of “serious consequences”, stating: “Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.”
Fofana, who previously shared screenshots of abusive messages, expressed frustration, writing, “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” and adding, “You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”
Separately, Nigel Dewale who sent abusive messages to Jess Carter during last year’s UEFA Women’s Euro — is due to be sentenced on March 25 after pleading guilty to malicious communication.
Meanwhile, UEFA has opened an investigation into allegations by Vinícius Júnior that he was racially abused during a UEFA Champions League match in Lisbon involving Benfica. The accused player, Gianluca Prestianni, denies the claim, while Benfica are investigating two supporters filmed making gestures toward the Brazilian forward.
