In a significant act against racism in sports, a Sunderland supporter has received a four-year ban from all stadiums in England and Wales for sending a racist message to Luton Town striker Elijah Adebayo. The incident took place on October 23, 2024, following Adebayo's equalizing goal during a match at Kenilworth Road in the League One fixture. The message was sent via an anonymous Instagram account while the supporter was watching the game from home.

Elijah Adebayo became aware of the racist message after the match and promptly reported it to the police, which led to a successful investigation. Authorities from Cheshire Police and Northumbria Police collaborated to track down the anonymous account and identify the sender as 20-year-old Connor Butler, who resides in Sunderland. His arrest in February 2025 culminated from joint investigative efforts, showcasing how modern technology and law enforcement can effectively tackle online abuse.

In December 2025, Butler appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to sending an offensive message. He was fined £200, reflecting the increasing legal repercussions for individuals engaging in racist behavior in sports contexts. This incident not only highlights the ongoing issues of racism in football but also the commitment from football authorities and law enforcement to combat such behavior and promote a more inclusive environment in sports.