EPL: Arokodare and three others face new wave of social media racism
Super Eagles player Tolu Arokodare is among several Premier League athletes experiencing racial abuse on social media after a recent match.
Tolu Arokodare, the Super Eagles forward and Wolves striker, has recently become a target of racist abuse on social media, marking a troubling trend in English football. Following his team's narrow 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace, where Arokodare had a penalty saved, he received a barrage of derogatory messages from anonymous accounts online. This incident has been labeled by anti-discrimination campaigners as part of an 'appalling weekend' for the sport, highlighting ongoing issues with racism in football.
In an emotional response shared on his Instagram, Arokodare expressed his disbelief that such acts of racism can still occur in today's world, pointing out the alarming freedom individuals have to spread hate online without facing repercussions. He emphasized the need for collective action to confront and penalize those responsible for tainting the sport, making a poignant appeal for unity against such behavior. His comments resonate deeply within the football community, pushing for reforms to protect players from online abuse.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arokodare's club, condemned the racist messages, expressing their disgust and calling for action against the perpetrators. They underscored the importance of creating a safe environment for players and supporters alike, reinforcing the need for football as a whole to prioritize matters of equality and respect on and off the pitch. This ongoing issue continues to undermine the integrity of the sport and calls into question the effectiveness of current measures to combat racism in football.