April 13 – Sunderland have condemned racist abuse aimed at Brian Brobbey after their 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, describing it as part of a pattern that is becoming all too familiar.
The messages, posted on social media after the game, have been reported to the Premier League, the relevant platforms and the police. The club say they expect action to follow.
In a statement, Sunderland said: “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.
“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.”
Brobbey’s case comes not long after the incidents involving teammates Mundle and Geertruida. A man was arrested earlier this month following alleged abuse aimed at Geertruida during a match away at Newcastle United, a game that was briefly stopped in line with league protocols.
This time, the comments arrived at a time where culprits Tottenham Hotspur are deep into panic mode. Now under their third coach of the season in Roberto De Zerbi, the North London side sit in the relegation zone after West Ham thrashed Wolves on Friday – with some of the comments directed at Brobbey blaming the striker for ‘sending [Spurs] down’.
The Premier League said: “We are disgusted by the ongoing discrimination players are facing on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue, as well as supporting investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders and criminal records.”
Figures from Kick It Out – who agreed an extension of their partnership with Premier League broadcast partner Sky Sports last week – point to a rise in reports of online abuse, while the UK Football Policing Unit has also recorded a sharp increase in cases.
For Sunderland, it is another incident to deal with in what has become a regular issue, and one the club says it will continue to challenge directly.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1776077903labto1776077903ofdlr1776077903owedi1776077903sni@g1776077903niwe.1776077903yrrah1776077903