Police in the United Kingdom have launched investigations into what they described as “abhorrent” racist abuse directed at several footballers across the Premier League and Scottish football.
Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle were among the latest players targeted on Sunday, while Wesley Fofana and Hannibal Mejbri were subjected to similar abuse on Saturday following a 1–1 draw between Chelsea FC and Burnley FC.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UK Football Policing Unit, said there is “absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person,” warning offenders that police will work to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Arokodare received racist messages after missing a penalty in a 1–0 defeat at Crystal Palace FC, while Sunderland later confirmed Mundle was targeted following his substitute appearance in a 3–1 loss at Fulham FC.
Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out condemned what it called an “appalling weekend” of abuse and urged stronger action. The Premier League also warned that those found guilty will face “serious consequences,” insisting that football must remain inclusive.
An official spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the abuse as “abhorrent” and said the government would pressure technology companies to improve protections for users, noting that Meta has pledged to continue tackling online abuse.
In Scotland, Rangers FC condemned racist messages aimed at Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez after a 2–2 draw at Livingston FC, confirming the incidents will be reported to police and to Meta.
Meanwhile, UEFA has opened an investigation into claims by Vinicius Junior that he was racially abused during a Champions League match in Lisbon by Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni denies the allegation but was suspended from Benfica’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid CF pending the investigation.
