Wolverhampton Wanderers says it stands with Tolu Arokodare after he received racial abuse online.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have said it's 'disgusted' after striker Tolu Arokodare was racially abused online.
It came after the club's 1-0 loss away to Crystal Palace on Sunday (February 22nd).
In the game, the 25-year-old had the chance to put Wolves ahead with a penalty, but his effort was saved by Dean Henderson.
A few hours after the game, the club released a statement in which they said they 'condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms'.
They added that 'Tolu has our full and unwavering support'.
Arokodare shared the private messages on his Instagram page and followed it with a statement in which he said those responsible should be punished.
He said: "It's still unbelievable to me that we're playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism wihtout any consequences.
"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, no matter who they are."
In a statement, the club said: "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.
"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.
"The club has reported the posts to the relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and the authorities to help identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken.
"We will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination."
As well as posting the statement on social media, Wolves also included screenshots of some of the messages that were sent to Arokodare.
Arokodare was the fourth player to be sent racially abuse this weekend. Chelsea's Wesley Fofana, Sunderland's Romaine Mundle and Burnley's Hannibal Mejbri received messages on Sunday.
All the clubs have said they will be working with relevant authorities and platforms to identify the individuals and ensure appropriate action is taken.
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