Wolverhampton Wanderers have offered their full support to Tolu Arokodare after the Super Eagles striker suffered racial abuse online following Sunday’s narrow 1-0 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, Footynaija.com reports.
Arokodare had a chance to put Wolves in front just a couple of minutes before half time when Adam Wharton took Mateus Mane down in the box. But the Nigerian striker failed to beat Palace goalie Dean Henderson from twelve yards.
Evan Guessand went on to score late in the game, condemning Wolves to their 20th defeat of the season and edging them even closer to a return to the EFL Championship.
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Following the game, Arokodare was subject to vicious messages from users on social media platform Instagram. Several messages shared by the 25-year-old and Wolves included the slurs “monkey” and the use of the N-word.
The Premier League club has come to condemn the perpetrators as well as offer their complete support for the Super Eagles striker, insisting that there’s no place for racial discrimination in football.
Wolves stand by Tolu Arokodare
“Wolves are disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse, from multiple perpetrators, directed at Tolu Arokodare on social media following today’s fixture against Crystal Palace,” the club said in a statement.
“There is no place for racism – in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job.
“We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.
“The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken.
“We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”
Unfortunately, racial discrimination and abuse is a continuing trend in European football despite the sensitization efforts of organizational and administrative bodies like UEFA and Football Associations.
Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri, also reported cases involving Instagram following Saturday’s 1-1 draw between the clubs at Stamford Bridge.
