Wolves condemn racist abuse directed at Tolu Arokodare on social media

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Wolves have condemned the vile racist abuse directed at striker Tolu Arokodare on social media after the club’s game against Crystal Palace.

Tolu Arokodare was targeted online after missing a penalty in the 1-0 defeat at Selhurst Park.

The striker shared the barrage of racist messages he had received on Instagram, prompting Wolves to swiftly report the abusive messages to the relevant platforms.

Arokodare himself expressed disbelief at the continued prevalence of racism in football.

He said (via X): “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.

“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’ unwavering support for Tolu Arokodare

Amid the disgusting abuse, Wolves lent their support to Arokodare immediately.

In a powerful statement, the club declared: “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.”

Wolves also took the step of sharing the discriminatory messages on their official social media channels.

The Premier League also condemned the racist abuse suffered by Arokodare, as did the official X account for the Nigeria national team.

Racism in football: A recurring issue

Unfortunately, Arokodare’s experience is not an isolated incident.

As well as Arokodare, racist abuse was also directed at Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle, as well as Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri this weekend.

The incidents highlight that there’s still a troubling trend of racism in football, despite strong efforts to stamp it out.

Clubs across the Premier League, including Wolves, have been vocal in their condemnation of such behaviour, and there are now growing calls for stronger action to be taken against such cowards.

Undoubtedly after this weekend, there will be increased pressure on social media companies to act much quicker.