Brian Brobbey: Sunderland condemn racist abuse on social media
This month a man was arrested over allegations of racial abuse leveled at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida during a match at Newcastle United in March. This match was stopped by the referee in accordance with the Premier League’s anti-discrimination protocol.
Sunderland’s statement said: “We stand by Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support.
“This is not an isolated incident. The recent abuse of Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida underlines the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behavior both in stadiums and online.
“Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or society, and we will continue to call it out openly and unapologetically whenever it occurs.
“Football should be a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, without exception.”
The Premier League said in a statement: “We are disgusted by the discrimination players face on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue and support investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
“Individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including prison sentences, football banning orders and criminal records.”
Dutch international Brobbey was involved in a second-half incident at the Stadium of Light when he pushed Tottenham defender Cristian Romero into his own goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The injured Romero then left the field in tears.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) is investigating abuse against four players in February, including Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said reports of online abuse were at record levels and had risen by a third on last season.
UKFPU deputy director Mike Ankers told BBC Radio 5 Live there had been an increase of around 115% in the number of news stories.
A BBC investigation last November found that more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts, including death and rape threats, were sent about coaches and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in one weekend.
The season-opening match between Liverpool and Bournemouth in August was stopped after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by an Anfield fan.
