EPL: Police begin probe into online racist abuse on Arokodare, Fofana two others
Police have launched investigations after four professional footballers were subjected to racist abuse on social media over the weekend.
Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and defender Wesley Fofana received abuse on Instagram following Burnley’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
On Sunday, striker Tolu Arokodare and winger Romaine Mundle were also targeted online.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it has opened “a number of investigations” after receiving four separate reports.
BBC Sports quotes Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU: “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 UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Enforcement focus
Police said the UKFPU, as the national lead for football-related online abuse, will work alongside clubs and players to identify suspects.
Recent cases have resulted in prosecutions and football banning orders, though authorities acknowledged “there is always more to do.”
The unit is coordinating with Ofcom, English football authorities and social media companies as part of a broader enforcement strategy.
A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Instagram, said: “No-one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it… we’ll continue working to protect our community from abuse and co-operate with police investigations.”
Ongoing issue across the game
Anti-discrimination body Kick It Out described it as an “appalling weekend,” while noting the problem remains persistent.
The latest incidents follow a series of high-profile cases in recent seasons. England internationals Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were racially abused after the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
More recently, Newcastle United contacted police after midfielder Joe Willock received racist messages and threats online, while Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was also targeted following a penalty shootout defeat in August.
