Newcastle Fights Against Online Racial Abuse

Newcastle will collaborate with the relevant football authorities and social media platforms to ensure that those who sent discriminatory messages to midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock are found.

The club claimed a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, 4 November, at St James’ Park Stadium in Newcastle, England. However, not everyone was happy with the win, as some individuals sent discriminatory messages to the two players who helped achieve the victory.

Willock shared the messages he received via Instagram, with a simple caption: “It’s a game of football mate, no need for this. Instagram, please find this person.”

“Our message is clear. There is no room for racism in football or society,” Newcastle said in a statement released via their official website the following day. The English club added that it was providing Guimaraes and Willock with support as they work towards finding those responsible.

The English Premier League and anti-discrimination charity, Kick it Out, have both subsequently released statements supporting Willock and Guimaraes.

Kick it Out also called for stricter online governmental regulations and challenged social media companies, like Instagram, to provide better safeguards to protect players’ mental health.

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