Wolverhampton Wanderers have issued a public statement concerning Tolu Arokodare after the Super Eagles star was racially abused in his side’s loss to Crystal Palace yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Old Gold have had a dreadful campaign in the English top-flight, winning just one of their 28 league games. While a 2-2 comeback against Arsenal in midweek appeared to have boosted their confidence, their display at Selhurst Park seemed to mirror that.
Rob Edwards’ team created chances, but the final touch was just lacking. Their ray of luck came in the 43rd minute when Adam Wharton fouled Mateus Mane in the box, and referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot.
Arokodare stepped up to take the penalty, but the resulting effort was tame, and Dean Henderson got down well to his left to save the shot.
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Evann Guessand scored in the 90th minute to seal all three points for Oliver Glasner’s side, meaning Wolves dropped points again. The aftermath of the loss saw Arokodare singled out by some fans to be racially abused.
Wolves respond to Arokodare’s racial abuse
Last night, the former Genk man took to his X page to air his displeasure about the treatment he received after missing the penalty.
“It’s still unbelievable to me that we’re playing in a time where people have so much freedom to communicate such racism without any consequences,” the 25-year-old wrote.
“These individuals should have no place in our game, and collectively, we have to take action to punish everyone who taints the sport like this, no matter who they are.
After the game, Wolverhampton Wanderers published a post on their official website, condemning the distasteful act.
“There is no place for racism in football, online, or anywhere in society. We condemn this abhorrent and unlawful behaviour in the strongest possible terms.
“Tolu has our full and unwavering support. No player should be subjected to such hatred simply for doing their job. We stand firmly alongside him, and alongside all footballers who are forced to endure this abuse from anonymous accounts acting 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 will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination,” the club wrote.
Arokodare is just one of the few players to have suffered racial abuse in the past week, with Vinicius Jr and Hannibal Mejbri at the forefront of things we shouldn’t have to deal with in football.
We’re all humans first, and that alone should be enough to warrant respect and love from anyone, regardless of skin colour, tribe or race.
