Racial comments were posted on Brian Brobbey’s social media accounts after the striker was involved in a number of key incidents in Sunderland’s 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light, with Northumbria Police now investigating.
After taking to social media after the game, which saw Brobbey involved in the collision that led to Spurs captain Cristian Romero having to be substituted because of an injury, the Netherlands international was subjected to racial abuse on his Instagram account, with a series of discriminatory comments being circulated online.
Brobbey is the latest in a lengthening line of Sunderland players who have been forced to deal with racist comments. Romaine Mundle was also racially abused online after February’s Premier League game with Fulham, while last month’s Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United was stopped when Lutsharel Geertruida reported hearing a racist comment at St James’ Park.
Northumbria Police have subsequently confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area has been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.
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The police are also investigating the comments aimed at Brobbey, with Sunderland having released a statement addressing the situation this morning.
Sunderland’s statement said: “Sunderland AFC condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist abuse directed at Brian Brobbey on social media following Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support.
“This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.
“The club has reported this incident to the Premier League, the relevant social media platforms, and the police, and we expect swift action to be taken against those responsible.
“Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs. Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all - without exception.”
Northumbria Police have confirmed they are investigating the latest incident, with a spokesperson saying: “We can confirm we are looking into reports of discriminatory comments circulating on social media. We condemn all forms of discrimination – it has no place in society and our communities.”