The Wolves have condemned “abhorrent and unlawful” racist abuse directed at striker Tolu Arokodare, marking him as the latest Premier League player to face such discriminatory attacks on social media.
Arokodare faced the backlash after missing a penalty during Sunday’s 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, as reported in the club’s statement.
Similarly, Sunderland confirmed that Romaine Mundle experienced racist abuse after making a substitute appearance in the 3-1 defeat to Fulham.
This follows prior incidents where both Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri were similarly targeted after their teams played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
“Wolves are appalled by the numerous instances of racist abuse aimed at Tolu Arokodare on social media following today’s match against Crystal Palace,” said the club.
“Racism has no place in football, online, or anywhere in society. We denounce this abhorrent behaviour completely and stand firmly behind Tolu,” they added.
“No player should have to face such hatred simply for performing their job,” the statement continued. “We are committed to supporting him as well as all players who endure this abuse from anonymous accounts that act with seeming impunity.
The club has reported these posts to relevant platforms and will work with the Premier League and authorities to identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken. We have a zero-tolerance stance toward all forms of discrimination.”
Arokodare expressed his disbelief on Instagram, stating: “It’s shocking to think we live in a time where individuals can freely express such racism without facing consequences.
“These people should not exist in our sport, and we must collectively take action to punish anyone tarnishing the game, regardless of who they are.”
Sunderland responded, condemning the “abhorrent behaviour” of those involved: “This type of conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by our club under any circumstances.
“We are actively collaborating with appropriate authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible and will pursue the strongest measures available to us.
“These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values, or our community and are not welcome in Wearside,” the club’s statement affirmed.
Last week, UEFA initiated an investigation regarding claims made by Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior that he faced racial abuse on the pitch from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match in Lisbon. The accusations have been denied by the Argentinian player.
Fofana, who shared messages he received on Instagram, previously offered a bleak perspective on the lack of consequences: “2026, and still nothing has changed. These people never face punishment,” he lamented.
“There are big campaigns against racism, yet nothing tangible occurs.”
Mejbri also took to Instagram, sharing abusive messages and urging: “It’s 2026, and there are still individuals like this. Please educate yourselves and your children.”
Chelsea asserted their solidarity with Fofana, stating: “We fully support him and all our players who too often suffer from this hatred while doing their jobs.
“We will collaborate with the relevant authorities and platforms to identify the perpetrators and seek the strictest possible action against them.”
Burnley echoed this sentiment, asserting: “Such behaviour has no place in our society, and we categorically condemn it.”
The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out issued a statement emphasizing: “Players are taking a stand against discrimination, and we have seen unprecedented reports to Kick It Out this season, but we acknowledge the frustration regarding its persistence online.
“While words are important, actions are paramount. Football is working together to address this issue alongside the UK Football Policing Unit and Ofcom, but social media platforms must enhance protections for players and improve accountability in these matters.”
Information from PA was included in this report.