Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers have condemned the racist abuse directed at striker Tolu Arokodare following his missed penalty in Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace, confirming the incident has been formally reported.
The Nigerian forward missed a penalty in the first half of the encounter after Adam Wharton had fouled Mateus Mane inside the area.
Crystal Palace went on to win the match, scoring a late winner through Evan Guessand, who netted his first for the club.
However, Arokodare was subjected to racist abuse online after the match, receiving the abuse from several accounts on social media.
This comes in the wake of several other racist incidents this weekend, with Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana also subjected to abuse following his red card in the Blues 1-1 draw against Burnley.
Hannibal Mejri, who also plays for Burnley was also a victim, as well as Sunderland’s Romaine Mundle, marking four high-profile cases this weekend in the Premier League.
What Wolves said after racist abuse on Arokodare
Wolves released a statement on social media condemning the abuse received by their player, Arokodare and confirmed that they are working with the relevant authorities to identify the perpetrators.
“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.
“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,” the team said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Arokodare also shared a statement on his social media, expressing disappointment over the act.
“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”, the Nigerian forward said.
“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.”
