Police Probe “Abhorrent” Online Abuse of Four Top Players
The United Kingdom Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) has launched investigations into a surge of racial abuse targeting four English Premier League (EPL) players.
Over one weekend in February 2026, Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri, Tolu Arokodare, and Romaine Mundle reported receiving vitriolic messages.
A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, described the abuse as “abhorrent”, a sentiment echoed by UKFPU Chief Constable Mark Roberts. Roberts warned offenders they cannot |hide behind their keyboards”, noting a 115% increase in reports this season.
Despite these investigations, players expressed deep scepticism. Chelsea’s Fofana shared his frustration, stating: “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes. These people are never punished.”
Burnley’s Mejbri added: “Educate yourself and your kids, please.”
While the charity Kick It Out reports that online incidents now account for 38% of all discrimination cases, authorities point to the upcoming sentencing of Nigel Dewale for abusing defender Jess Carter as proof of progress.
Official bodies continue to pressure social media platforms to identify those responsible and ensure that, in the words of the EPL, “there is no room for racism”.
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