Yahoo News Police statement after Newcastle United's Joe Willock subjected to racist online abuse
A probe into racist online abuse targeting Newcastle United's Joe Willock is today continuing.
A sickening Instagram post published after the Toon's 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday was reported to Northumbria Police. The force has condemned the discrimination and confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Shortly after 9pm on Saturday we received a number of complaints about a post on social media. As a result, an investigation is ongoing. We want to make it clear we condemn all forms of discrimination."
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Newcastle United lost 2-1 at St James' Park on Saturday conceding twice after taking a first-half lead through Jacob Murphy. Willock, missed a chance to put Newcastle back into the lead after a cross from Alexander Isak at The Leazes End.
Newcastle United has also condemned the abuse, which has been reported to Instagram's owner's Meta.
In a statement the club said: "Newcastle United strongly condemns the appalling racist abuse received by Joe Willock on Instagram on Saturday evening. There is no room for racism anywhere. Joe has been given the club’s full support and we will continue to do all we can to ensure the welfare of our players, staff and supporters.
"The club has reported the abuse to Meta - the owners of Instagram, and urges all social media companies to do more to eradicate this behaviour from their platforms. The club has also reported the abuse to the police, and will support the strongest possible action against those responsible."
Meanwhile the Premier League has also vowed to investigate the matter and support Willock, 25.
A statement said: "The Premier League is appalled by the abuse received by Joe Willock. We are working with the club and authorities to support Joe. We will investigate and where possible take action against any individual we are able to identify. Discrimination of any kind has no place in our game or anywhere in society. If you see or hear abuse, report it."
And Isak posted: "We win together, we lose together! Always with you brother Joe Willock. There's no room for racism."
