Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey was the subject of vile racist abuse from Argentinians after his side’s 1-0 win over Tottenham.
The Dutch striker had multiple tangles with defender Cristian Romero during the Premier League match, the last of which saw Romero taken off with 20 minutes to go.
It looks like he may have suffered a knee injury, and Argentina fans took to social media to racially abuse Brobbey.
On a post on his Instagram hundreds of vile comments appeared including monkey emojis from accounts in Argentina.
Sunderland and the Premier League respond
Responding to the posts, Sunderland later released a statement.
“We stand firmly with Brian and offer him our full and unwavering support,” they wrote.
“This is not an isolated incident. Recent abuse directed at Romaine Mundle and Lutsharel Geertruida highlights the ongoing and unacceptable frequency of this behaviour, both inside stadiums and online.
“Racism is abhorrent and has no place in our game or in society, and we will continue to call it out clearly and unapologetically every time it occurs.
“Football must be a safe and inclusive environment for all – without exception.”
The Premier League also released their own condemnation, writing: “We are disgusted by the ongoing discrimination players are facing on social media and are committed to working with clubs, authorities, law enforcement and social media companies to address this issue, as well as supporting investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
“Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including custodial sentences, football banning orders and criminal records.”
Romero injury update
According to Argentine journalist Gastón Edul, Romero’s injury is still unknown.
It could have been just a heavy blow, or at worst a cruciate ligament issue that could well scupper his World Cup hopes.
There was a similar reaction from Argentina fans when Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe accused Argentine Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse in the Champions League.
After laying into Prestianni who covered his mouth during the incident, Brobbey’s fellow Dutchman Wesley Sneijder claimed similar abuse online.
“It’s a terrible situation,” he began.
“I received 4,000 death threats from Argentina last week for expressing my opinion.
“I have a right to express my opinion without being intimidated by so much hatred.
“Those who threaten me also have an opinion, and I also have an opinion based on what I see.”
He went on to add of the suspended Prestianni: “It was clear he knew he had made a serious mistake. I think there will be consequences.”
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