Police are investigating a series of racist attacks on Premier League footballers after a weekend of abuse on social media, prompting renewed calls for tougher action against offenders and the platforms that host them.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it is examining four separate reports of online racism directed at top-flight players over a three-day spell. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, following similar abuse aimed at Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri the previous day.
Arokodare received racist messages after missing a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Sunderland later revealed that Mundle was subjected to comparable abuse following his substitute appearance in their 3-1 loss to Fulham.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, condemned the incidents and warned perpetrators that anonymity online would not protect them. He said there was “absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person” and pledged that specialist officers would do “everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said the weekend’s incidents were part of a wider, persistent problem. In a statement, it expressed solidarity with Arokodare and Mundle and noted that four players had publicly highlighted racist abuse in just a few days. “The message from them is loud and clear: action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and nor should anyone else,” the organisation said.
The Premier League also issued statements supporting the affected players and clubs, promising to assist investigations and warning that those found guilty would face “serious consequences.” The league reiterated its stance that “football is for everyone” and that there is “no room for racism.”
Fofana and Mejbri both shared screenshots of the messages they received, with Fofana expressing frustration that, despite high-profile anti-racism campaigns, “nothing changes” and “these people are never punished.” Mejbri urged abusers to “educate yourself and your kids.”
The UKFPU highlighted the case of Nigel Dewale, who admitted sending racist messages to England defender Jess Carter during the Women’s European Championship. His prosecution followed a UKFPU investigation and is being cited by authorities as evidence that online offenders can be traced and held to account.
Downing Street described the abuse as “abhorrent” and said ministers would press social media companies, including Meta, to improve protections and cooperate fully with football authorities and police.
