Police warn online abusers they cannot hide after weekend of racist attacks on players

• Four Premier League players targeted by online abuse over three days
• UK Football Policing Unit launches investigations and issues warning
• Renewed calls for tougher action from clubs, campaigners and government

Police are investigating a series of online abuse incidents aimed at Premier League footballers over the weekend, warning offenders that anonymity will not protect them from justice.

The UK Football Policing Unit said it received four separate reports of abuse towards top flight players across three days, describing the behaviour as abhorrent and unacceptable.

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were the latest players to be targeted on Sunday, following racist abuse directed at Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on Saturday.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, said a dedicated team of officers is working to identify those responsible.

“There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again,” Roberts said. “We will do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Arokodare was subjected to racist messages after missing a penalty in Wolves’ 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, while Sunderland later confirmed Mundle had been targeted following his substitute appearance in their 3-1 loss to Fulham.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said the incidents underlined the scale of the problem and renewed calls for urgent action from social media platforms.

“This has been an appalling weekend after four players called out the racist abuse they have received on social media,” the charity said. “The sad fact is we know it happens regularly. The message is clear. Action must follow.”

The Premier League said it would assist club investigations, pledging serious consequences for those found guilty and reaffirming its stance that football is for everyone and that there is no room for racism.

Fofana, who shared screenshots of abusive messages, expressed frustration at the lack of meaningful progress.

“2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” he wrote. “These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.”

Mejbri echoed those sentiments, urging education and accountability.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the abuse was abhorrent and confirmed that ministers would hold social media companies to account to ensure stronger protections and enforcement.

Recent legal action has shown that prosecutions are possible. Nigel Dewale, who sent racist messages to England defender Jess Carter during the Women’s European Championship last summer, is due to be sentenced on March 25 after pleading guilty to malicious communication. His arrest followed an investigation by the UK Football Policing Unit.

Police and campaigners insist that continued reporting and enforcement are essential if football is to tackle an issue that remains deeply embedded in the online landscape.