Super Eagles Striker Subjected To Online Racism Following Missed Penalty

Super Eagles Striker Subjected To Online Racism Following Missed Penalty

By Niyi Busari 

Tolu Arokodare has been subjected to racist abuse on social media following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defeat to Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

The Nigerian forward won a penalty in the 43rd minute of Sunday’s encounter after being brought down inside the box. However, his spot-kick was saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Wolves later conceded a decisive goal from Evann Guessand, condemning them to their 20th league defeat of the season. The result leaves the club with 10 points from 28 matches.

In the aftermath of the game, Arokodare’s social media accounts were flooded with racist messages from individuals blaming him for the loss.

Wolves responded with a strongly worded statement condemning the abuse and expressing unequivocal support for the striker.

“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. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.”

Arokodare, who has scored two league goals since joining Wolves in the summer, is the third Premier League player to be racially abused online within 24 hours. Wesley Fofana of Chelsea and Hannibal Mejbri of Burnley were also targeted with discriminatory messages following their clubs’ draw on Saturday.