PREMIER LEAGUE QUARTET FACES RACIST ATTACKS; POLICE LAUNCH INVESTIGATION

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Police confirmed on Monday that they are investigating “abhorrent” racist abuse aimed online at four Premier League footballers over the weekend.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, while Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri experienced similar abuse on Saturday following a 1-1 draw between their clubs.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), said: “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, online or in person, and anyone who thinks they can hide behind their keyboards should think again. The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and will do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Arokodare, who missed a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 loss at Crystal Palace, received racist messages from several online accounts. Sunderland later reported that Mundle faced similar attacks after coming on as a substitute in their 3-1 defeat at Fulham.

The British anti-racism charity Kick It Out described the weekend as “appalling,” adding: “But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly. Action must follow. Players should not be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and neither should anyone else.”

The Premier League also issued a statement warning of “serious consequences” for perpetrators, emphasizing: “Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.”

French defender Fofana, who previously shared abusive messages from Instagram, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”

In related developments, Nigel Dewale, who sent online abuse 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, UEFA has launched an investigation into allegations by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior that he was racially abused on the pitch by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match in Lisbon. The player has denied the claims.

Benfica has also opened an inquiry into two fans who were filmed making what appeared to be monkey gestures toward Vinicius.