Police have confirmed they are investigating after four Premier League players suffered racial abuse online over the weekend.
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana received racist abuse on Instagram after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
On Sunday, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were also subjected to abuse on social media.
The UK Football Police Unit (UKFPU) said on Monday it had “launched a number of investigations” after receiving four separate reports of online racial abuse.
On Monday, Police Scotland said they were investigating after Rangers players Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama shared screenshots of racist abuse directed at them on their social media accounts after Sunday’s game in Livingston.
“There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, whether online or in person, and anyone who thinks they can hide behind their keyboards should think twice,” said Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU.
“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behavior and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said reports of online abuse are at record levels, rising by a third compared to the same point last season.
Mike Ankers, deputy director of the UKFPU, told BBC Radio 5 Live that the police unit has seen an increase of around 115% in the number of complaints.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman Sir Keir Starmer also described the abuse as “abhorrent”, adding: “The Prime Minister has before supported footballers who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism, and this is no different.
“Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.
“And Meta has said it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will hold them to account to ensure this happens.”