Appalling Weekend: Four Premier League Players Targeted by Racist Abuse on Social Media

An already volatile match-day turned into what anti-discrimination monitors Kick It Out branded an “appalling weekend” after four Premier League players were subjected to racist abuse across social platforms inside 48 hours.

Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle and Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare became the latest victims on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana were attacked online following the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Arokodare, who missed a late penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, posted screenshots of the messages he received and wrote on Instagram: “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. These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”

Mundle, introduced as a second-half substitute during Sunderland’s 3-1 loss at Fulham, deleted his Instagram account after being targeted. Sunderland AFC responded swiftly, stating: “The abhorrent behaviour displayed by multiple individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club under any circumstances. These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community – and they are not welcome on Wearside.”

Kick It Out issued a joint condemnation, saying: “We stand in solidarity with Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle. This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they’ve received on social media. But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly. 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 Premier League echoed the outrage, promising tangible support: “There are serious consequences for anybody found guilty and we will offer the club and player our full support with investigations. Football is for everyone – there is no room for racism.”

All four clubs involved have passed evidence to the relevant authorities and platform operators, pressing for identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.

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