Police are investigating what they described as “abhorrent” racist abuse aimed at four Premier League players over the past weekend.
Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were targeted on Sunday, while Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri received similar abuse on Saturday after their clubs played to a 1-1 draw.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, who leads the UK Football Policing Unit, 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.”
Arokodare, who missed a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, received racist messages from multiple accounts following the game.
Sunderland confirmed that Mundle endured similar attacks after coming on as a substitute in their 3-1 defeat at Fulham.
Kick It Out, a UK charity tackling racism in football, released a statement late Sunday, condemning what it called an “appalling weekend” of abuse.
“But the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly,” the statement added. “Action must follow. Players cannot be expected to tolerate this behaviour, and nor should anyone else.”
The Premier League also released a statement, warning of “serious consequences” for those found guilty and emphasizing, “Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.”
French defender Fofana, who previously shared screenshots of abuse on his Instagram, expressed frustration at the lack of action. “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” he wrote. “These people are never punished.
“You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”
In related cases, Nigel Dewale, who targeted England defender Jess Carter online during last year’s Women’s Euros, is due to be sentenced on March 25 after pleading guilty to a charge of malicious communication in January.
Meanwhile, UEFA has launched an investigation into claims 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 Argentinian player has denied the allegations.
Benfica have also opened a separate inquiry into two fans who were filmed making gestures resembling monkey movements toward Vinicius.
