SUPER Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare suffered vile racial abuse on social media in the aftermath of Wolves’ 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace yesterday.
The Nigeria international missed a penalty for Wolves in the first half while the score was still 0-0, and Evan Guessand went on to score a lae winner for Palace against the English Premier League’s bottom club.
After the match, Arokodare revealed several racist messages sent to him on social media, some calling him a monkey and other nasty racial slurs.
“It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” Arokodare wrote.
“These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish anyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”
Wolves afterwards issued a statement expressing their backing for Arokodare and strong condemnation of the racial abuse.
“Wolves are disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators, directed at Tolu Arokodare on social media following today’s fixture against Crystal Palace,” the club stated.
“There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.
“The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”
Arokodare is the latest victim of the racism players of black heritage face from despicable football fans across Europe.
