Law enforcement authorities are examining digital harassment aimed at professional football players in the Premier League during the past weekend, issuing a caution to culprits that “Individuals who believe they can remain anonymous while delivering digital attacks should reconsider their assumption.”
According to the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), it has logged four distinct complaints regarding mistreatment targeting elite division athletes within the preceding 72 hours.
On Sunday, Tolu Arokodare, a forward for Wolves, and Romaine Mundle, a midfielder for Sunderland, were the newest individuals subjected to digital harassment, building on incidents Saturday involving Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.
The leader of the UKFPU, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, declared on Monday that “Racial prejudice is utterly unacceptable, whether communicated digitally or face-to-face, and those who imagine anonymity online will find themselves mistaken.”
After failing to convert a penalty during Sunday’s 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, Arokodare was subjected to prejudiced communications from multiple digital profiles.
The Black Cats disclosed at a later time that Mundle had endured comparable assaults following his entry into the game as a substitute during their 3-1 defeat by Fulham.
The anti-prejudice organization Kick It Out, which advocates for greater effort from online platforms to tackle this issue, released a declaration Sunday night stating: “Our support is with Tolu Arokodare of Wolves and Romaine Mundle of Sunderland. This period has been dreadful, with four athletes highlighting the prejudiced mistreatment encountered on social media. Regrettably, this is a frequent occurrence. Their demand is unequivocal: tangible responses are necessary. Athletes should not be required to endure such conduct, nor should any other individual.”
The Premier League released separate statements concerning these recent occurrences, pledging support for the inquiries initiated by Wolves and Sunderland, promising “significant repercussions” for those found culpable, and reiterating: “The sport of football welcomes all — intolerance has no place within it.”
Fofana, who published screenshots of remarks sent to his Instagram profile, previously conveyed a bleak perspective on the situation. He commented: “In 2026, the situation remains unchanged; progress is absent. Perpetrators escape accountability.” He added, “Extensive initiatives combating racial prejudice are launched, yet practical measures are never implemented.”
Prior to this, Mejbri had also posted offensive communications he was sent, remarking on his Instagram story: “Despite being in 2026, such individuals persist. I urge you to educate yourselves and your children.”
Nigel Dewale, responsible for digitally harassing England’s defender Jess Carter during the Women’s Euro championship last summer, faces sentencing on March 25, having admitted culpability for a malicious communication offense in January.
The apprehension and subsequent judgment against Dewale occurred following an inquiry initiated by the UKFPU in July of the previous year.
The official spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated: “The prejudice encountered by these football players is detestable. The Prime Minister has previously offered backing to athletes who bravely reported discrimination and racial animosity, and this instance is no exception. Clubs within the Premier League have expressed their intent to collaborate with social media platforms, including Meta, the Premier League organization itself, and law enforcement agencies to pinpoint those accountable. Furthermore, Meta has affirmed its ongoing commitment to safeguarding individuals from mistreatment. Government officials will hold them responsible for fulfilling this pledge.”
