Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. have strongly denounced racist messages aimed at Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare following Sunday’s 1 0 loss to Crystal Palace F.C.
After failing to convert a first-half penalty at Selhurst Park, Arokodare was attacked with derogatory online remarks. Including racial slurs and other disparaging comments blaming the forward for the loss of the team, the club revealed that multiple abusive messages were sent to him on Instagram.
Wolves confirmed in a statement released soon after the game that the messages were disgusting. Social media outlets, the Premier League, and appropriate officials have all been informed of the matter. The club emphasized that neither football nor society has any place for racism and reiterated its full support for the athlete.
As concerns about recent incidents involving top-flight players rise, the club is working with league officials to identify those accountable.
Coming soon after comparable web attacks aimed at Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley F.C. and Wesley Fofana of Chelsea F.C., the growth contributes to a concerning league-wide pattern. As demands for more severe action against internet abuse grow, UK officials have begun investigating those incidents.
