Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare has spoken out strongly after being subjected to racist abuse on social media following his side’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Super Eagles forward was targeted online after missing a first-half penalty during the encounter. Several offensive messages containing racial slurs were sent to the 25-year-old on Instagram, sparking widespread condemnation.
Reacting to the incident, Arokodare described the abuse as shocking and unacceptable in modern football.
It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” Arokodare wrote.
These individuals should have no place in our game and collectively we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.”
Wolves issued a firm statement backing their player and condemning the actions of those responsible.
We 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.
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.”
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk last September and has scored five goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season. The incident once again highlights the urgent need for stronger action against racism in football and on social media platforms.
