English Premier League Football has been plunged into another racism crisis after four professional players were subjected to online racial abuse in what anti-discrimination campaigners have described as an “appalling weekend” for the game.
Police have now confirmed that multiple investigations are under way, as players, clubs, campaigners and governing bodies once again demand decisive action against online hate.
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed on Monday that it has launched investigations after receiving four separate reports of online racial abuse connected to football matches over the weekend.
The players targeted were:
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Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley)
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Wesley Fofana (Chelsea)
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Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
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Romaine Mundle (Sunderland)
Burnley’s Mejbri and Chelsea’s Fofana were racially abused on Instagram following their 1–1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge, while Arokodare and Mundle received racist messages on Sunday after defeats with their respective clubs.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of the UKFPU, issued a firm warning.
“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.
“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
“Unbelievable in 2026” – Arokodare Breaks Silence
Super Eagles forward, Tolu Arokodare became one of the latest victims after Wolves’ 1–0 defeat to Crystal Palace, a match in which the striker had a first-half penalty saved before Evann Guessand scored a late winner.
Screenshots shared by both the player and Wolverhampton Wanderers showed a stream of racist messages from anonymous accounts.
Arokodare did not hold back in his response.
“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,” he wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Wolves said they were “disgusted” by the abuse, describing it as the work of multiple perpetrators.
“Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job,” the club said.
“We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting with apparent impunity.”
Adebayor Criticises Arokodare: “He Doesn’t Know What He’s Doing”
The abuse followed a difficult afternoon for Arokodare on the pitch, where his saved penalty proved costly.
Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, speaking as a Premier League pundit, questioned the striker’s confidence and decision-making.
“When you’re in front of the defender, the only thing he can do is either foul you or leave you to finish the ball,” Adebayor said.
“Tolu’s lack of confidence, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. That’s a big lack of confidence.”
“You can’t take a penalty like that in this kind of game.”
Tolu Arokodare has been building momentum at club level after missing out on Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a decision he previously described as “painful but understandable.”
Sunderland Condemn “Vile” Abuse of Romaine Mundle
Arokodare was not alone as Sunderland winger, Romaine Mundle was also racially abused after coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 home defeat to Fulham.
Sunderland AFC issued a strong statement.
“The abhorrent behaviour displayed by multiple individuals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club under any circumstances,” Sunderland said.
“These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community and they are not welcome on Wearside.”
Reports indicate the 22-year-old later deleted his Instagram account.
Police, Clubs Working Together To Uncover Racist Culprits
In a police statement, the UKFPU confirmed it is working with clubs and players to identify those responsible.
“Over recent months the UKFPU have seen a number of successful prosecutions for online racial abuse, which have resulted in significant football banning orders,” the statement said.
“However, we recognise that there is always more to do, and we will continue to work closely with Ofcom, English football authorities, and social media platforms to tackle the issue.”
Responding to the abuse of Fofana and Mejbri, a spokesperson for Meta, which owns Instagram, told BBC Sport:
“No-one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it.”
“No one thing will stop racist behaviour overnight, but we’ll continue working to protect our community from abuse and co-operate with police investigations.”
Racism Storm Hits Premier League: A Repeating Pattern
The latest incidents follow a long list of recent cases:
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A BBC investigation last November found more than 2,000 abusive posts, including death and rape threats, aimed at players and managers in a single weekend.
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A Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth was stopped last August after Antoine Semenyo reported racial abuse from the crowd.
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Joe Willock was targeted with “disgusting” racial abuse in January.
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Mathys Tel was abused after missing a penalty in a Super Cup shootout.
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England defender Jess Carter was targeted during Euro 2025.
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Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were racially abused after the Euro 2020 final.
The Premier League condemned the abuse and warned of severe consequences.
Serious sanctions, including club bans and criminal prosecution, could follow for anyone found guilty of discrimination.
