Aston Villa say they are appalled at racist abuse sent to academy player Tyreik Wright.
Wright, who is on loan at Walsall, received the messages, described in a statement by Villa as “sickening and abhorrent”, via his Instagram account.
The messages have been reported by the club to both the social media platform and West Midlands Police.
The club are liaising with WMP’s Hate Crime Unit, which is now investigating the incident.
The Villa statement said: “Aston Villa will work alongside Walsall FC to provide Tyreik with any support he requires and will continue to do everything we can to report and help root out all forms of discrimination.”
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Xhaka: Online abuse will “kill football”
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka believes recent social media abuse aimed at his family is part of a wider trend that could “kill football”.
Xhaka has received racist abuse from several online accounts, including some which identified as Arsenal supporters and season-ticket holders, and believes such abuse is badly damaging the sport.
“It is one of many (examples), if I am honest,” Xhaka replied when asked about the latest post.
“If I showed the others what they write, I think I have to close my social media, everyone has to close social media. I say that before and I will say that now and in the future as well, it is only about me. I am the guy who is on the pitch.
“This is not acceptable. So you have to open our eyes and to look after this a lot, because I think you kill the football like this if the people start to speak about a player or their families or things like this.”
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www.skysports.com 2021-02-24 12:20:00