Edwards and Le Bris hit out at racist abuse of Arokodare and Mundle
Wolves manager Rob Edwards and Sunderland counterpart Regis Le Bris have strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at their players following the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare received abusive messages on social media after Wolves’ 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle was also targeted online following a substitute appearance in a 3-1 home loss to Fulham.
The incidents have prompted police investigations and calls for action from anti-discrimination bodies.
‘Upset and angered’
Edwards revealed that Arokodare has faced a challenging few days since the match at Selhurst Park.
“It’s been a really difficult week for him,” said the Wolves boss.
“He was upset and angered by it, understandably so.”
The Molineux club have held individual discussions with the 25-year-old forward to ensure his welfare is prioritised.
“We have spoken about it as a group to make sure we get around him and support him as well,” Edwards added.
Despite the distress caused by the messages, Edwards confirmed the striker has trained this week and is available for Friday’s home game against Aston Villa.
‘No room for racism’
Le Bris was equally firm in his stance regarding the treatment of Mundle, emphasising that such behaviour violates the core principles of the sport.
“What happened to Romaine is unacceptable – we stand with him,” the Frenchman stated.
“There is no room for racism or abuse in football or anywhere else. That’s clear for us.”
The Black Cats manager insisted that threats to the club’s values of respect and inclusion required a strong reaction.
Police investigation under way
The abuse directed at Arokodare and Mundle was part of a wider wave of hostility targeting players across the UK last weekend.
Other players subjected to similar online abuse included:
- Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri
- Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana
- Rangers duo Emmanuel Fernandez and Djeidi Gassama
The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) confirmed it is investigating the incidents and will attempt to identify those responsible.
Mike Ankers, deputy director of the UKFPU, told BBC Radio 5 Live that reports of such incidents have increased by approximately 115%.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has also reported that online abuse is at record levels, rising by a third compared to the same stage last season.
‘Tough to hear’
Edwards expressed deep concern over the frequency of these attacks and the resignation with which players now seem to accept them.
“The sad thing about it is all of them have had it before,” he said.
“They say, ‘I’m OK, I have had it before’. I think that is what is difficult. That is tough to hear.”