Police Probe Racist Abuse Of Four Premier League Players After Weekend Incidents

‎Police said on Monday they have launched an investigation into “abhorrent” racist abuse directed at four Premier League players over the weekend.

‎Tolu Arokodare and Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, while Wesley Fofana and Hannibal Mejbri suffered similar abuse on Saturday.

‎The racist messages directed at Fofana and Mejbri came shortly after the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Burnley.

‎Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), said Monday, “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.”

‎Tolu Arokodare ancient

‎Tolu Arokodare received racist messages from multiple accounts after missing a penalty in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.

‎Sunderland later confirmed that Romaine Mundle was also subjected to racist abuse following his substitute appearance in a 3-1 loss at Fulham.

‎The incidents added to a growing list of discriminatory attacks on players over the weekend. Kick It Out condemned what it called an “appalling weekend” of abuse in a statement released late Sunday.

‎”But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly,” the statement also said, adding: “Action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and nor should anyone else.”

‎The Premier League issued its own statement, warning of “serious consequences” for those found guilty of abuse, insisting, “Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism.”

‎But French defender Fofana, who previously shared images of messages directed to his Instagram account, had little hope of significant action.

‎”2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” he posted. These people are never punished.

‎”You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”

‎Nigel Dewale, who sent abusive online messages to England defender Jess Carter during last year’s Women’s Euros, is due to be sentenced on March 25 after pleading guilty to malicious communication in January.

‎Meanwhile, European governing body UEFA has opened an investigation into claims by Vinícius Júnior that he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match in Lisbon.

‎The allegations emerged during the first-leg fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica. The Argentinian has denied the allegations.

‎Benfica has also launched an internal investigation into two fans who were filmed making what appeared to be monkey gestures toward Brazilian forward Vinícius.