Following the racial abuses received by players in the English topflight on social media this week, the Premier League has promised to investigate any reported racial action and take it up legally.
In the week, there was racial abuse Chelsea right-back, James Reece, Manchester United duo, Anthony Martial, and Axel Tuanzebe, as well as West Brom’s Romaine Sawyers.
The incident of the England International was the latest, having received those online racial abuse, he insisted on the need for a change.
Just after the ugly incident with Martial and Tuanzebe, Reece received a message on Instagram about an individual’s message sent to him which contains all manner of racial languages.
Chelsea authorities in a statement were ‘disgusted’ by those messages sent to their club’s number 24. The club’s management advised social media regulators to take strict measures on the matter.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC is disgusted with the racist abuse Reece James received on social media on Friday evening,” a Chelsea statement read
“This club finds racism and all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We totally condemn it.
“In sport, as in wider society, we must create a social media environment where hateful and discriminatory actions are as unacceptable online as they would be on the street.
“We add our voice to those urging social media platforms and regulatory authorities to take stronger, more effective and more urgent action against this despicable behaviour.
“Something needs to change and it needs to change now.”
Meanwhile, Premier League Chairman, Richard Masters, in a statement also condemned the act, stating that the league will continue to support the victims and families who had been racially abused.
“I am appalled to see the racial abuse received by players this week,” Masters said. “Racist behaviour of any form is unacceptable and nobody should have to deal with it. Tackling online hate is a priority for football, and I believe social media companies need to do more.” he said
“We at the Premier League will continue to support players, managers and their families who receive discriminatory online abuse. Through our central reporting system we have been able to take immediate action on cases like this and we investigate every report received, with legal action taken where possible.” he added
Masters said the management of the league will converse with media bodies for racism on social media to be reduced to zero levels.
“We are in regular dialogue with social media companies, challenging them to do more against discriminatory abuse on their platforms. We want to see swifter removal of offensive messages and improved identification and banning of offenders.”
