Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare has been subjected to racial abuse on social media following Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, prompting a swift and strong response from the club and renewed calls to combat racism in football.
The incident occurred after Wolves lost 1‑0 at Selhurst Park, a match in which Arokodare missed a first-half penalty that could have put his team ahead. In the hours following the game, multiple social media accounts directed racially offensive messages and slurs at the Nigerian forward. Wolves, upon reviewing the posts, described the abuse as abhorrent and unlawful, and confirmed that the messages had been reported to the relevant social media platforms.
In a statement released on Monday, Wolverhampton Wanderers said the club was “disgusted by numerous instances of racist abuse” aimed at Arokodare and emphasized that “there is no place for racism — in football, online, or anywhere in society.” The statement added that the club would work with the Premier League and relevant authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible. Wolves further reiterated that the striker had the club’s full and unwavering support and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind.
Reacting to the attacks, Arokodare expressed his shock and disappointment, stating that it is “unbelievable that in this day and age, people still feel free to communicate such racism without any consequences.” The forward called for collective action to ensure accountability for perpetrators, urging that those who spread hate online “have no place in the sport.”
Arokodare, who joined Wolves in 2025, has been an integral part of the team’s attacking line-up. His decision to publicly address the abuse has drawn widespread support from fans, fellow players, and football organisations, many praising his courage in confronting the issue directly.
The incident involving Arokodare is part of a broader pattern in the Premier League, with several other players, including Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri, and Romaine Mundle, facing similar racial abuse online following weekend matches. Anti-discrimination organisations and football authorities have repeatedly highlighted that social media platforms must do more to protect players and ensure accountability for those responsible for hate speech.
The Premier League has pledged to assist clubs and law enforcement in tackling such cases, emphasizing that racism will not be tolerated at any level of the game. Despite increasing awareness and campaigns against discrimination, the persistence of online abuse highlights the continuing challenges faced by players, clubs, and governing bodies.
