Police investigate 'abhorrent' racist abuse of players

British police have opened multiple investigations after six professional footballers were subjected to online racist abuse across a single weekend, intensifying pressure on social media companies and authorities to confront what officials branded “abhorrent” behaviour.

The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed on Monday that four Premier League players reported receiving discriminatory messages after weekend fixtures. Burnley’s on-loan midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana were targeted on Instagram following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, while Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle experienced similar attacks on Sunday.

The tally rose further when Police Scotland announced parallel inquiries after Rangers teammates Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeudi Gassama published screenshots of racist slurs sent to them after Sunday’s match away to Livingston.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, national lead for football policing, said investigators would “ensure that anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again,” adding that the UKFPU has “launched a number of investigations” and will pursue prosecutions where evidence allows.

The spike in cases aligns with a broader surge in reported discrimination. Anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out said online abuse reports have risen by a third compared with the same stage last season, while the UKFPU has logged a 115% year-on-year increase in complaints. Overall, Kick It Out has seen a 45% jump in reports across professional and grassroots football, with 38% of all incidents now originating online.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman echoed the UKFPU’s language, labelling the abuse “abhorrent” and reaffirming Downing Street’s support for players who speak out. “The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to call out discrimination and racism, and this is no different,” the spokesman said.

Meta, which owns Instagram where several of the weekend attacks occurred, told BBC Sport it removes racist content “when we find it” and will “continue working to protect our community.” Ministers, however, have pledged to hold platforms accountable, with further meetings expected between government officials, the Premier League, clubs and technology firms.

Police have already secured multiple football-banning orders for online offences this season and stressed that convictions can carry the same penalties as in-stadium misconduct. “Over recent months the UKFPU have seen a number of successful prosecutions for online racial abuse,” a statement noted, promising continued cooperation with Ofcom, league authorities and social media companies.

Kick It Out chief executive Samuel Okafor argued that technology companies possess the tools to eradicate abuse but “are choosing not to” deploy them comprehensively. He attributed the rising figures to emboldened offenders amid a polarised political climate, but also to players refusing to stay silent. “It’s fans not wanting to put up with it, it’s players having the courage to call it out,” Okafor said.

Mike Ankers, deputy director of the UKFPU, said dedicated football officers work proactively with clubs and players to build confidence in the reporting process, adding that many footballers are “prepared to stand up and speak out” rather than accept routine abuse.

The weekend’s incidents continue a troubling trend that has stained English and Scottish football for several seasons. A BBC investigation last November identified more than 2,000 highly abusive social-media posts aimed at managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League during a single weekend. Earlier this season, Liverpool’s opener against Bournemouth was halted after Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo alleged he was racially abused by a spectator at Anfield; a man has denied the charge and faces trial in April.

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock, Tottenham’s Mathys Tel, England defender Jess Carter and Euro 2020 trio Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have all been recent targets of online hate, illustrating the breadth of the problem across competitions and demographics.

Kick It Out described the latest events as an “appalling weekend” but warned they reflect a year-round issue. “The sad fact is, we know it happens regularly,” the organisation said, urging platforms, regulators and law-enforcement agencies to treat online racism with the same urgency as physical offences.

With police pursuing fresh investigations and government scrutiny mounting, players and campaign groups insist the moment is ripe for decisive action against digital hate. “We will do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice,” Roberts vowed, reinforcing law-enforcement determination to rid the game of what has become an entrenched stain on modern football.