Wolves and Sunderland have both had to come forward to protect their players after further racist abuse occurred online a day after the Chelsea and Burnley star was targeted.
Wolves striker Tolu Alokadare subjected to vile racist abuse on social media
Wolves and Sunderland have both defended their players, condemned those involved and signaled their intention to take action following racist abuse this weekend.
Both teams lost over the weekend. The Black Cats lost at home to Fulham, while Crystal Palace won against Wolves. A small number of social media users have targeted specific players and their clubs have spoken out.
Wolves announced that “multiple assailants” targeted Tolu Alokodare on social media. Sunderland also came forward and said Romain Mandl had been the victim of racist abuse online.
In a statement, the Premier League’s governing body said: “Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred just for doing his job. We stand firmly with him and with all footballers who have been forced to endure abuse from anonymous accounts 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 continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”
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Arokodare posted on social media: “I still can’t believe we’re playing in a time where people can freely communicate racism like this without repercussions.
“People like this have no place in our game and collectively we must take action to punish anyone who tarnishes our sport in this way.”
Meanwhile, Sunderland, whose results have suffered despite a strong start to the season, said: “The club is actively working with the relevant authorities and online platforms to identify those responsible and will take the strongest possible action. These individuals do not represent Sunderland AFC, our values or our community and are not welcome on Wearside.”
Sunderland condemn vile messages sent to Romain Mandl
It comes after vile abuse was also leveled at Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana, prompting the team to come to his defense. The French defender was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Burnley.
In a statement, the club said: “Chelsea Football Club is appalled and disgusted by the vile racist abuse directed at Wesley Fofana online. The targeted racist abuse suffered by Wes after today’s Premier League game against Burnley is abhorrent and unacceptable. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and goes against the values of the game and everything we stand for as a club. There is no place for racism.”
“In 2026, the situation will be the same, nothing will change. We will launch a huge campaign against racism, but no one will actually do anything,” Fofana said.
It was not the only racist incident at the match, with Burnley also releasing a statement condemning the abuse targeting Hannibal Mabry.
Wesley Fofana was shown a red card on Saturday and was subsequently abused on social media (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
He replied to the message, “It’s 2026 and there are still people like that. Educate yourself and your children.”
Social media has long faced criticism for failing to control or adequately punish people who use their accounts to abuse footballers. Instagram owner Mehta and the Premier League condemned the abuse.
It also comes a week after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior hit the headlines again after accusing Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani of using a racist slur during a Champions League game. Mr. Prestiani denies the charges.
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